India Must Recalibrate Its Foreign Policy, Says Former Kyrgyz PM

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Djoomart Otorbaev warns of growing US hostility as Trump vows punitive tariffs on India over Russian oil, calls for strategic pivot towards Global South alliances

By TRH Global Affairs Desk

NEW DELHI, August 5, 2025 — In a strongly worded public commentary, former Kyrgyz Republic Prime Minister Djoomart Otorbaev has urged India to undertake a “comprehensive revision” of its foreign policy, following US President Donald Trump’s public threats to impose significantly higher tariffs on Indian goods due to India’s purchases of discounted Russian oil.

Otorbaev’s remarks, made via a LinkedIn post, come just days after Trump, vowed to “fine” India for continuing oil and military imports from Russia. Trump made his remarks on Truth Social on August 4, escalating tensions with New Delhi, which has emerged as one of the world’s top buyers of Russian crude since 2023.

Trump’s Renewed Economic Threats

According to ship-tracking data from Kpler, India imported 89 million tonnes of Russian oil in 2024, outpacing China by 50%, and making up roughly one-third of India’s total crude imports. Trump’s post accused India of “making a fortune reselling Russian oil” and threatened “significant tariffs and penalties” if New Delhi continued its purchases from Moscow.

This came days after Trump’s earlier declaration of a 25% tariff on Indian goods and threats of “fines” targeting Indian defence deals with Russia.

In response, the Indian government—via sources quoted in The New York Times and a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs—maintained a firm stance. The MEA asserted that “criticism of India is unfounded and unjust,” and reiterated that India would act in its national interest and economic security.

A Pivot to the Global South?

In his LinkedIn post, Otorbaev praised India’s firm response and argued that Washington’s treatment of India now stands in stark contrast to its approach to China. While China faces similar strategic frictions with the US, it retains parity in negotiations due to its economic resilience and security independence, he said.

“Why does Washington’s attitude toward Beijing differ so greatly from its stance toward New Delhi?” Otorbaev asked. He added that China’s deeper alignment with the Global South, particularly through BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), has shielded it from the kind of pressure now being applied to India.

India, Otorbaev said, had once viewed the United States as a vital strategic ally, especially following the unveiling of a 10-year defence partnership earlier this year—an agreement which now remains unsigned. He pointed to India’s recent rejection of American F-35 fighter jet procurement on July 31 as a signal of disillusionment with Washington.

“This is not an isolated outburst. Publicly insulting India—a great nation—is fast becoming a core component of the US’ long-term posture,” Otorbaev warned, suggesting that India should cease defence negotiations with the US and instead redirect its strategic focus.

Time for a Foreign Policy Reset

Calling for an urgent recalibration, Otorbaev said India must prioritize its competitiveness and deepen cooperation with advanced nations of the Global South, rather than seek security alignment with a “hostile and unpredictable” Washington. “New Delhi’s hopes for a special relationship with Washington, including in the security sphere, have been dashed. Perhaps this is for the better,” Otorbaev concluded.

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