Foreign policy is supposed to serve the nation, not one billionaire’s profit margins. Yet, as India’s ties with the U.S. nosedive, one question is echoing louder than ever: Is Modi’s foreign policy being hijacked to protect Ambani’s oil empire?
Since 2022, reliance — led by Modi’s closest ally mukesh ambani — has bought $33 billion worth of Russian crude, turning Jamnagar into Putin’s refinery-in-exile. While europe slammed sanctions and ukraine burned, Ambani cashed in on cheap crude, making billions. And now? india is facing tariffs, diplomatic strain, and global embarrassment.
The message is clear: Modi’s “strategic autonomy” looks less like national interest and more like Ambani’s profit plan.
1. Reliance: Moscow’s Biggest indian Ally.
Before the ukraine war, reliance barely touched Russian crude — just $85 million in 2021. After the invasion? $33 billion. That’s not opportunism; that’s a full-scale partnership with Putin.
2. Cheap oil, Expensive Diplomacy.
reliance raked in an extra $6 billion in profit from discounted Russian crude. But the bill is coming due in geopolitics: trump doubled tariffs on india, froze trade talks, and openly accused New delhi of funding Putin’s war.
3. Foreign Policy = Family Business?
Ambani isn’t just a businessman; he’s Modi’s power ally. He calls Modi “an avatar sent by God” and Reliance’s oil strategy magically mirrors government talking points on “energy security.” Coincidence? Or cartelization of statecraft?
4. Sanctioned Tankers, Open indian Ports.
At least 17 EU/UK-sanctioned Russian-linked oil tankers have docked at Reliance’s gujarat port since 2022. Other nations see sanctions. reliance sees opportunity. The message? Rules are optional if you’re Ambani.
5. India’s Image = oil Stain.
Instead of being a neutral peacemaker, india is increasingly branded in Washington as a “laundromat for Kremlin crude.” That’s not just Ambani’s image problem — it’s India’s diplomatic crisis.
6. Profit First, National Interest Later.
Ambani inked a 10-year $13 billion annual deal with Rosneft, securing half a million barrels of Russian oil daily. That’s not a stopgap; that’s a marriage. Even if india burns its US ties, Ambani’s profits are locked in.
7. Modi’s Foreign Policy Test.
When U.S. officials say “India’s richest families are funding Putin’s war,” they mean Ambani. But the silence from South Block shows where loyalties lie. Is Modi defending India’s energy needs — or Ambani’s empire?
🔥 Bottom Line:
Reliance’s Russian oil binge is not just a business decision — it’s a foreign policy liability. Modi’s government may claim it’s about “market factors,” but when one billionaire’s profits dictate national strategy, the line between national interest and private interest disappears.
india risks losing credibility abroad — and it’s paying the price for Ambani’s $33 billion gamble.
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