Russian conundrum

India must decide rationally

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The imposition of an additional 25 per cent tariff by the United States (US) on imports from India, on top of the 25 per cent reciprocal tariff, has placed India in a difficult position. White House Trade Adviser Peter Navarro argued last week that the additional tariff was on account of national security concerns because of India's continued import of Russian crude oil. The broader thinking, which US President Donald Trump also underlined, is that India's import of Russian oil is helping it fund the Ukraine war. In that case, the US should have first targeted China, which is not only buying bigger quantities of oil and gas from Russia but is also supporting it through various other means. But the US has decided not to do so, perhaps fearing retaliation. Mr Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected to meet later this week to discuss the Ukraine war. India has welcomed the move, although it is unclear whether a resolution of some sort will remove the tariff penalty threat. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also had a detailed conversation with Mr