India Tries to Balance US, Russia Ties in Pursuit of Trump Deal

India is trying to find a way to maintain ties with both the US and Russia as it seeks to clinch a trade deal with President Donald Trump and bring down tariff rates of 50%.

Trump said Wednesday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi indicated India would stop buying oil from Russia, a key demand of the US president. Unlike previous denials, New Delhi’s response on Thursday was lukewarm. Without mentioning Trump or Russia, India signaled it would buy more US oil while continuing to secure supplies that are cost-effective for consumers.

The latest developments show Modi’s tricky balancing act between ...