U.S. Hits India With Tariffs, But Spares China: Smart Diplomacy or Strategic Hypocrisy?
The US’s remarks on risks to sanctioning China bring focus back on criticism of India being singled out for getting additional tariffs over buying Russian oil
In a world driven by energy politics and shifting alliances, recent moves by the United States have raised more than a few eyebrows. Washington has slapped a hefty 25% tariff on Indian imports — effectively doubling the existing rate — citing India’s ongoing imports of discounted Russian oil. But when it comes to China, which is buying even more Russian oil, the U.S. response has been noticeably muted.
This stark difference in approach has sparked debate: Is this part of a carefully calculated geopolitical strategy, or does it expose a troubling double standard in American foreign policy?
India Gets the Stick
On August 7, 2025, the U.S. ramped up trade pressure on India, targeting its Russian oil imports. American officials claimed these purchases help fund Russia’s war machine in Ukraine — a concern that’s been echoed for months. India, however, has defended its actions, calling the U.S. tariffs “unwarranted and unfair,” and arguing that securing energy for 1.4 billion people cannot be compromised under foreign pressure.
New Delhi has long maintained that its oil strategy is guided by national interest, not geopolitics. Russian crude offers a much-needed price cushion for India’s growing economy. The U.S. tariffs, however, threaten to disrupt this equation — possibly harming bilateral ties that have grown steadily over the past decade.
China Walks Free — For Now
While India is being penalized, China — which imported over $10 billion worth of Russian oil just in July — has not faced any comparable trade penalties. In fact, Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently stated that sanctioning China could “destabilize global energy markets” and lead to a surge in oil prices.
The implication is clear: Beijing’s economic scale and global integration make it too risky a target. A crackdown on China could cause a ripple effect — from rising fuel prices to supply chain chaos — none of which Washington wants ahead of a volatile global economic cycle.
Is This Realpolitik or a Double Standard?
To many observers, this is a classic example of power politics at play. India, while an important strategic partner, does not have the same leverage or global economic entanglements as China. That makes it a more convenient candidate for public pressure.
By taking a hard line on India, the U.S. signals that its stance on Russia is non-negotiable. But by going soft on China, it’s acknowledging the limits of its own leverage — and perhaps admitting that not all partners will be held to the same standard.
It’s a delicate balancing act, but one that raises uncomfortable questions. If rules are enforced selectively, do they hold any moral weight? Or are they just tools of convenience?
India’s Possible Next Moves
India is not taking the tariffs lightly. Officials in New Delhi have made it clear they will not compromise their energy independence — and that includes continuing to buy oil from whichever country offers the best terms.
At the same time, India is actively diversifying. New deals with Iran, the UAE, and Russia are in the pipeline. Domestically, the push toward renewable energy — solar, hydrogen, and biofuels — is gaining momentum. If anything, this moment could accelerate India’s transition away from dependence on imported fossil fuels.
Strategically, India may also start looking east and south — toward ASEAN, Africa, and Latin America — for trade realignment. The message is simple: if the U.S. chooses economic pressure over partnership, India has other doors it can open.
Wider Implications for Global Politics
This entire episode highlights the complexity of enforcing sanctions in a multipolar world. The U.S. wants to squeeze Russia’s economy, but it can’t afford to alienate or destabilize the world’s two most populous countries at once.
That’s why the response has been uneven: firm against India, cautious with China.
But that inconsistency risks eroding trust in the U.S. as a reliable global partner. Countries across the Global South are watching closely — and they’re taking notes. They see that national interest, not international norms, ultimately drives foreign policy decisions in Washington.
Conclusion
At its core, this isn’t just about oil or tariffs. It’s about how global power is exercised — who gets challenged, and who gets a pass.
The U.S. action against India, paired with its restraint toward China, exposes the real dynamics of 21st-century diplomacy: idealism takes a backseat to strategy. And smaller or more cooperative nations often bear the brunt of policies designed for political messaging.
For India, the challenge is clear — but so is the opportunity. This moment could be a turning point to build greater self-reliance, deepen alternative partnerships, and stake a more assertive claim in the global order.
Because in international politics, respect is rarely given — it’s earned, often the hard way.
After Trump doubled India’s duties to 50% earlier this month, New Delhi had issued a strong response, pointing out that the US was targeting India for “actions that several other countries are also taking”.
However, after his high-stakes meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, Trump seemed to have softened his stance on additional tariffs against countries doing business with Russia.
“Well, because of what happened today, I think I don’t have to think about that (tariffs),” Trump told Fox News’ Sean Hannity in an interview after the meeting.
Notably, Trump recently extended the tariff deadline for China which was set to end on August 12, by another 90 days. Presently, US charges 30% tariffs on Chinese imports, including a 10% base rate and 20% in fentanyl-related tariffs imposed by Washington in February and March.