A Question of Consistency: US Hits India with Tariffs, Mulls Russia Deals

The consistency of US foreign policy is being called into question as the administration prepares to hit India with 50% tariffs for its Russian oil trade while simultaneously mulling its own energy deals with Moscow. This apparent contradiction has become a major point of diplomatic friction.
The policy towards India is clear and consistent with a sanctions-based approach. The tariffs are a direct and punitive response to India’s engagement with Russia’s energy sector, enforcing a strict red line.
The policy being explored with Russia, however, seems to erase that red line. The talks about Exxon Mobil re-entering a sanctioned project suggest that the rules are not absolute and can be waived if it serves a higher strategic purpose, such as brokering peace in Ukraine.
This lack of consistency creates uncertainty for US allies. If the rules can be changed for an adversary, partners like India are left to wonder about the reliability and fairness of American policy, potentially leading to a long-term erosion of trust.