The August 2025 Alaska Summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin marked a significant moment in global diplomacy. Yet, its impact on India’s foreign policy and its relations with both Washington and Moscow remains complex and uncertain. For New Delhi, the summit did little to advance its strategic interests, leaving key challenges unresolved.
Summit Overview
The Trump–Putin meeting projected warmth but delivered few concrete policy shifts. India had hoped the dialogue might ease US pressure over its ties with Russia. Expectations included a rollback of US secondary sanctions on Russian oil imports and a revival of stalled India–US trade talks. Instead, the US maintained its tough stance, with senior advisor Peter Navarro reiterating punitive tariffs targeting India.
US Sanctions and Trade Tensions
India continues to face 25% secondary sanctions for purchasing Russian oil, along with reciprocal tariffs that hurt its export competitiveness. Many analysts view these sanctions as symbolic geopolitical signalling, particularly given Washington’s own trade with Russia and the much larger volume of Russian oil imports by China. Tensions deepened further after India refused to credit Trump for mediating the India–Pakistan ceasefire.
Diplomatic Setbacks
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reliance on personal diplomacy has shown its limits. Despite high-profile meetings with global leaders, India has struggled to shield its economy from US sanctions or secure meaningful concessions. The Alaska Summit highlighted the need for New Delhi to prioritize substantive agreements over symbolic displays of diplomacy.
Strategic Autonomy and Global South Backing
India’s long-standing principle of adhering only to UN-mandated sanctions is under renewed pressure. Past compliance with US demands on Iranian and Venezuelan oil may have emboldened Washington’s pressure campaign on Russian imports. However, India’s resistance has earned support among Global South nations and reinforced its image as an advocate of strategic autonomy—though at significant economic cost.
The Road Ahead
India’s diplomatic calendar remains busy, with upcoming visits to Japan, China, the US, and South Africa, as well as hosting the Quad Summit. These engagements present an opportunity to diversify strategic partnerships and reduce overdependence on any single power. A more assertive approach will be necessary to counteract punitive tariffs and protect India’s economic sovereignty