New Delhi: In an executive order issued February 6, US President Donald Trump has placed India under fresh scrutiny over its crude oil imports with Russia. The directive states that India has committed to stop directly or indirectly importing Russian oil and that Washington will establish a monitoring structure to ensure compliance. The monitoring mechanism raises concerns about setting precedents for foreign oversight of Indian policy decisions.According to the order, the US government received “additional information and recommendations from senior officials regarding India’s efforts” to address the ongoing national emergency related to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. The document notes that US officials were told India has agreed not only to cease all Russian-origin oil imports but also to shift part of its energy purchases toward US suppliers.Russia has been a key supplier of discounted crude oil to India since 2022, and New Delhi’s refining sector has relied heavily on those supplies. The new commitment by the Modi government – outlined explicitly in Trump’s order – indicates that India has accepted external pressure to step back from that arrangement with Moscow.One of the most consequential elements of the policy is the planned US monitoring committee, composed of senior officials from various departments, including Commerce and State. The group is tasked with overseeing implementation of the oil‑import prohibition and issuing recommendations on any violations or needed adjustments. The creation of a US monitoring committee marks a rare instance of American oversight directly tied to India’s energy sourcing decisions, raising unprecedented concerns about India’s sovereignty. This Presidential order effectively subordinates Indian energy policy to American foreign policy objectives regarding Russia.The order says the US will track both direct and indirect imports, meaning that indirect channels, where Russian oil is purchased via intermediaries or blended, would still fall under the restrictions. This provision is likely to complicate India’s procurement processes, as refiners accustomed to global spot purchases may face new compliance burdens.The US had previously imposed punitive 25% tariffs on all Indian goods in August 2025 after New Delhi continued purchasing discounted Russian crude imports that had helped India manage domestic fuel prices and inflation for millions of citizens.