India seeks energy sovereignty amid US tariff threats over Russian oil

India is facing increasing pressure to bolster its energy sovereignty and domestic capabilities amid geopolitical tensions and potential US trade measures. Krishna Mohan Puvvada, a regional president at Novonesis, emphasized the importance of biofuels in achieving energy independence and meeting the nation's 'Viksit Bharat 2047' ambitions. He noted that India has already achieved its E20 ethanol blending mandate ahead of schedule and is looking toward higher blends like E85 and E100.

Simultaneously, the Swadeshi Jagaran Manch (SJM), an affiliate of the RSS, has urged the Indian government to resist US pressure regarding the purchase of Russian oil. The SJM expressed concern over US Senate legislation that could authorize tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries buying significant amounts of Russian crude. The organization called for trade negotiations with the US to be based on reciprocity and warned of a potential boycott of American products if Washington acts against India's strategic autonomy and energy security interests.