India to gain? Trump’s Russian diesel deal offers New Delhi leverage
Por Biman Mukherji — South China Morning Post – News feed
Advertisement India This Week in Asia Economics India to gain? Trump’s Russian diesel deal offers New Delhi leverage
Washington’s climbdown on Russian fuel undermines US sanctions pressure and clears a path for India’s Ukraine diplomacy, analysts say
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Biman Mukherji Published: 7:00pm, 13 Oct 2026 Updated: 7:03pm, 13 Oct 2026 US President Donald Trump ’s decision to ease sanctions on Russian diesel exports and allow fresh supplies to reach global markets could give India greater leverage in its own dispute with Washington over discounted crude purchases, analysts said. Beyond the energy dispute, they said the move could also open up diplomatic opportunities for New Delhi, from pressing for more consistent treatment by Washington to building on its efforts to help negotiate an end to the Russia-Ukraine war.
Under the deal Trump announced on Friday, Russia would immediately supply more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel to the US and global markets, followed by another 500,000 tonnes in November and 1 million tonnes “immediately thereafter”.
Trump said a further 3 million tonnes would follow “within a short period of time”, subject to the condition of Russian refineries. The US Treasury has also issued a temporary licence easing sanctions on Russian diesel shipments.
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