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“Russia is not a market for India.”

India IS a market for Russia;

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Crude Oil: India has significantly increased its imports of Russian crude oil, especially after the start of the war in Ukraine, due to discounted prices offered by Russia.

Machinery and Equipment: India also imports electrical machinery, nuclear reactors, and other mechanical appliances from Russia.

Pharmaceutical Products: Russia is also a source of pharmaceutical products for India.

Iron and Steel: India imports iron and steel from Russia.

Military: Over the past five years, Russia has supplied India with approximately $13 billion worth of arms and military equipment. India also has outstanding orders with Russia for weapons and equipment exceeding $10 billion. This makes India the largest buyer of Russian arms, accounting for roughly 20% of Russia’s current arms export order book, according to The Economic Times.

Pushing India to keep up its economic closeness (historic) with Russia is not a good strategy. Tariffs will only harden Indian nationalism.

Better to make a deal with India on how we and others will make up for their Russian oil imports on a scheduled basis over the next two years.