Ukraine, Sep.24,2025:Zelensky India advice has emerged as a major talking point in international politics. At a time when Washington and Brussels have been critical of India’s oil trade with Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky surprised many by suggesting that New Delhi is “mostly with us.” His comments have sparked a debate across Europe and America, especially as former US President Donald Trump continues to accuse India of indirectly funding Russia’s war-
By urging Western nations to strengthen their strategic partnership with India, Zelensky has attempted to reposition India not as an obstacle but as a potential ally in ending the war.
Trump’s Accusations Against India Over Russia Oil
Donald Trump, in multiple speeches including his remarks at the United Nations General Assembly, claimed that India and China were helping Russia by purchasing oil. According to him, India’s discounted oil deals with Moscow effectively bankroll Russia’s military operations in Ukraine.
Trump went a step further by imposing an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports over Russian oil purchases. Critics argue this tariff unfairly singles out India while letting other buyers like China and Turkey off relatively lightly.
EU and US Pressures on India
The European Union has also accused India of fueling Russia’s war machine through its continued oil purchases. However, India has countered by pointing out that Europe itself imported far more Russian energy in the past.
India maintains that its purchases are dictated by national interest and energy security, not geopolitical alignments. Officials have repeatedly stated: “We will buy oil from wherever it is cheapest.”
What Zelensky Really Said About India
In a Fox News interview, Zelensky gave his most candid views yet.
He acknowledged that while Iran will never side with Ukraine because of its hostility to the US, India is mostly with us.
He argued that if Western powers could form a stronger strategic alliance with India, New Delhi might reconsider its dependence on Russian oil. Zelensky also pressed both the US and Europe to deepen their ties with India to ensure it remains within the Western bloc of influence.
India’s Energy Security vs Global Politics
India imports 85% of its crude oil needs, making it the third-largest oil importer in the world. Before the Ukraine war, most of India’s oil came from the Middle East. In FY 2017–18, Russia accounted for just 1.3% of India’s oil imports.
However, after Western sanctions, Russia offered steep discounts, pushing its share in India’s oil basket to record levels. For New Delhi, cheap Russian crude was too good to refuse, especially at a time when inflation and energy costs were rising.
Trump’s Tariffs- Why India Feels Targeted
The tariff battle has left India frustrated. Research shows that as of June 2025, China, India, and Turkey were the top three buyers of Russian oil.
Yet, while the US imposed 30% tariffs on China and 15% on Turkey, India was slapped with 50% tariffs.
This has huge implications, as 18% of India’s exports go to the US, making it New Delhi’s largest export market. By comparison, competitors like Vietnam and Bangladesh face far lower tariffs, putting Indian industries at a disadvantage.
Russia, China, and the Oil Triangle
Zelensky admitted that China’s relationship with Russia makes the geopolitical challenge more complex. With Beijing offering diplomatic and economic backing to Moscow, Kyiv’s best bet is to prevent India from sliding into the Russian camp.
For Moscow, India and China remain lifelines for oil revenue after Western sanctions. That explains why Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered steep discounts and strategic partnerships to both nations.
Ukraine’s Hopes From India
Zelensky was clear in his expectations: “We must do everything to ensure India does not move away from us. If we bring India closer, I believe it will reconsider its oil purchases from Russia.”
He praised Trump for being “more positive” towards Ukraine now, while expressing confidence that the US would not abandon Kyiv. Still, his call to the West was blunt: keep India close, or risk losing a critical partner.
Can India Balance Both Worlds
India now faces a diplomatic balancing act between affordable energy and geopolitical pressure. On one hand, oil imports from Russia are essential for domestic economic stability. On the other, trade tariffs and criticism from the US and EU threaten to hurt its long-term growth.
Experts argue that New Delhi’s multi-alignment strategy—maintaining ties with the US, Russia, and Europe simultaneously—remains the only practical path forward.
What Zelensky’s Advice Means for the Future
The Zelensky India advice marks a major shift in how Ukraine views New Delhi’s role in the ongoing conflict. Instead of treating India as part of the problem, Zelensky is urging the West to treat it as part of the solution.
The coming months will reveal whether his words translate into new strategic alignments or whether India continues its pragmatic policy of energy-first diplomacy.
