As tensions escalate over oil transactions, India firmly rebuffs Trump's recent threat to impose higher tariffs due to its continued imports of Russian oil.
India Criticizes Trump’s Tariff Threat Over Russian Oil Trade
India Criticizes Trump’s Tariff Threat Over Russian Oil Trade
India accuses former President Trump of unjustified tariff risks amid oil purchases from Russia.
In a post on Truth Social, former President Donald Trump claimed he would impose "substantially" higher tariffs on India regarding its significant purchases of oil from Russia, labeling the country’s actions as a sign of indifference to the war in Ukraine. India’s Foreign Ministry has responded, expressing that such threats are “unjustified and unreasonable,” especially given that India is one of the top consumers of Russian oil, having increased its imports as other nations withdrew their trade following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Despite Trump's warning, which followed the announcement of a new 25% tariff on Indian goods, the Ministry highlighted that the U.S. had encouraged energy sourcing from Russia at the onset of the conflict in order to stabilize global markets. The Ministry’s spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, noted that the U.S. continues to trade with Russia, having conducted an estimated $3.5 billion in transactions last year, particularly during heightened sanctions and tariffs against Moscow.
"Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security," asserted the Ministry, emphasizing that the targeting of India is unfounded.
Trump had previously referred to India as a “friend” but criticized the nation for its high tariffs on American products. In his recent remarks on social media, he suggested that not only is India buying vast quantities of oil from Russia, but that it is also profiting from reselling this oil on the open market. Indian oil refineries, both public and private, however, operate independently in deciding sourcing based on various factors, including price and supply security, and are not required to receive government authorization for imports from Russia.
This spat occurs against a backdrop of Trump's fluctuating tone towards Russia, having initially softened relations during his last term. Recently, Trump has intensified his critique of both Russian military actions and President Putin, reaffirming that without a negotiated peace in Ukraine, Russia will face heavy tariffs on its exports, including oil.
India’s diplomatic stance continues to call for balanced and fair trade practices, aiming to navigate its interests amid complex geopolitical tensions involving major powers.
US envoy Steve Witkoff is slated to meet with Putin in Moscow later this week as part of ongoing efforts to mediate the conflict in Ukraine.
With further strained relations between the U.S. and Russia, the outcome of these discussions remains uncertain.
Despite Trump's warning, which followed the announcement of a new 25% tariff on Indian goods, the Ministry highlighted that the U.S. had encouraged energy sourcing from Russia at the onset of the conflict in order to stabilize global markets. The Ministry’s spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, noted that the U.S. continues to trade with Russia, having conducted an estimated $3.5 billion in transactions last year, particularly during heightened sanctions and tariffs against Moscow.
"Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security," asserted the Ministry, emphasizing that the targeting of India is unfounded.
Trump had previously referred to India as a “friend” but criticized the nation for its high tariffs on American products. In his recent remarks on social media, he suggested that not only is India buying vast quantities of oil from Russia, but that it is also profiting from reselling this oil on the open market. Indian oil refineries, both public and private, however, operate independently in deciding sourcing based on various factors, including price and supply security, and are not required to receive government authorization for imports from Russia.
This spat occurs against a backdrop of Trump's fluctuating tone towards Russia, having initially softened relations during his last term. Recently, Trump has intensified his critique of both Russian military actions and President Putin, reaffirming that without a negotiated peace in Ukraine, Russia will face heavy tariffs on its exports, including oil.
India’s diplomatic stance continues to call for balanced and fair trade practices, aiming to navigate its interests amid complex geopolitical tensions involving major powers.
US envoy Steve Witkoff is slated to meet with Putin in Moscow later this week as part of ongoing efforts to mediate the conflict in Ukraine.
With further strained relations between the U.S. and Russia, the outcome of these discussions remains uncertain.
