While India is grappling with 50% extra tariff in the US, half of it for the energy-deficient country choosing to import oil from Russia, analysts have pointed out that Washington’s move is not only in violation of the relevant United Nations rules, but also smacks of discrimination. “Other countries such as China, the European Union and and the US itself have been importing Russian oil and other commodities.. It appears that this was more of a negotiating tactic on the part of the US and to gain leverage in the ongoing trade negotiations considering the tariffs kick in 21 days later,” said Shashi Mathews, Partner, CMS INDUSLAW. Also, there are chances of a deal between US president Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, which would destroy the whole rationale for the punitive tariff.