What is India's Plan B for Importing Russian Oil

India is currently navigating a complex geopolitical dilemma, caught between United States trade pressures and the necessity of affordable Russian energy. Following recent tariff relief from Washington, the US administration claims New Delhi has agreed to halt its procurement of discounted Russian crude. However, India's strategic imperatives dictate a more nuanced approach. Driven by the energy demands of a massive population, the nation prioritizes supply diversification and market stability over rigid geopolitical alignment. To satisfy US demands without crippling its own economy, India is visibly increasing imports from alternative sources like the Americas and the Middle East. This calculated balancing act allows New Delhi to protect vital trade relations with the West and secure economic growth, all while asserting its long-standing foreign policy of strategic autonomy.