Prime Minister Narendra Modi has long had to balance ties with Russia and the US as India sticks to its policy of strategic autonomy.

The White House has said India may look at buying oil from Venezuela, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating that such a move could support American workers and industries.

The trade deal with India would slash U.S. tariffs on Indian goods to 18% from 50% in exchange for India lowering trade barriers and stopping its purchases of Russian oil.