India–United States relations

India and the United States established diplomatic relations in 1947 following the independence of India from the United Kingdom. Over the decades, the relationship has evolved into a broad-based strategic partnership grounded in shared democratic values, commitment to individual freedoms, and respect for the rule of law. As of 2025, India–United States relations encompass close cooperation across defense, technology, trade, education, and people-to-people ties, reflecting converging interests in promoting stability, prosperity, and a rules-based international order, even as differences persist on specific trade and energy issues.

In early 2026, energy policy emerged as a point of discussion within India–United States relations, as analysts assessed whether India could shift a portion of its crude oil imports from Russia to Venezuela amid political pressure from the United States. Experts noted that such a transition would face logistical, economic, and contractual challenges, and that India had not formally committed to altering its existing oil procurement strategy. The United States and India announced a comprehensive trade agreement under which President Donald Trump stated that India agreed to halt purchases of Russian oil and to increase imports of U.S. and potentially Venezuelan crude, alongside broad tariff reductions on Indian goods. Indian officials said energy security and diversification remained key priorities, with Indian refiners requiring a wind-down period to complete previously booked Russian oil shipments and with no immediate directive to abruptly cease all Russian oil purchases. Data showed a significant decline in India’s Russian oil imports amid ongoing negotiations and Indian energy officials indicated a broadened sourcing strategy that included crude from other regions, reflecting a shift toward diversification without an immediate full withdrawal from Russian supplies.