India has condemned Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on Russian oil imports, calling them unjustified and contrary to established trade relations.
India Rejects Trump's Tariff Threat Over Russian Oil Purchases
India Rejects Trump's Tariff Threat Over Russian Oil Purchases
Concerns Raised Over Economic Relations Amid Rising Tensions
In a recent statement, India has firmly rejected former President Donald Trump's threat of imposing "substantially" higher tariffs on its imports of Russian oil, labeling the move as "unjustified and unreasonable." Trump's remarks, shared on his platform Truth Social, accused India of showing indifference to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, as it remains one of the largest purchasers of Russian crude oil.
India’s status as a key market for Russia surged when several European nations curtailed their imports following Russia's military actions in Ukraine that began in 2022. Although Trump did not disclose specific tariff percentages, he mentioned a 25% tariff he had introduced on India just days earlier.
The Indian foreign ministry’s spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, pointed out that the U.S. had initially encouraged India to import Russian gas at the start of the conflict to stabilize global energy markets, which led to India's current purchases as European suppliers shifted their focus. He further criticized U.S. sanctions by highlighting America's own trade with Russia, which was worth approximately $3.5 billion last year despite ongoing sanctions.
"India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security," the foreign ministry affirmed in a statement. Moreover, Jaiswal emphasized that India's decision to purchase Russian oil was market-driven, as Indian oil refineries make independent decisions based on factors such as prices and supply security.
Despite previously calling India a "friend," Trump voiced his frustrations about India's high tariffs on U.S. goods. He indicated that he would increase tariffs on Indian imports to address what he perceives as unfair advantages in trade. Experts and analysts in India have criticized Trump’s claims, arguing that the oil trade is transparent and part of broader market dynamics.
As U.S.-Russia relations appear to be souring again, Trump has intensified his rhetoric against the Russian government and military actions. He has also threatened major sanctions against Russian exports if a ceasefire in Ukraine is not achieved by an upcoming deadline. Meanwhile, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to visit Russia soon for discussions, indicating ongoing diplomatic engagement in response to the situation.
India’s status as a key market for Russia surged when several European nations curtailed their imports following Russia's military actions in Ukraine that began in 2022. Although Trump did not disclose specific tariff percentages, he mentioned a 25% tariff he had introduced on India just days earlier.
The Indian foreign ministry’s spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, pointed out that the U.S. had initially encouraged India to import Russian gas at the start of the conflict to stabilize global energy markets, which led to India's current purchases as European suppliers shifted their focus. He further criticized U.S. sanctions by highlighting America's own trade with Russia, which was worth approximately $3.5 billion last year despite ongoing sanctions.
"India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security," the foreign ministry affirmed in a statement. Moreover, Jaiswal emphasized that India's decision to purchase Russian oil was market-driven, as Indian oil refineries make independent decisions based on factors such as prices and supply security.
Despite previously calling India a "friend," Trump voiced his frustrations about India's high tariffs on U.S. goods. He indicated that he would increase tariffs on Indian imports to address what he perceives as unfair advantages in trade. Experts and analysts in India have criticized Trump’s claims, arguing that the oil trade is transparent and part of broader market dynamics.
As U.S.-Russia relations appear to be souring again, Trump has intensified his rhetoric against the Russian government and military actions. He has also threatened major sanctions against Russian exports if a ceasefire in Ukraine is not achieved by an upcoming deadline. Meanwhile, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to visit Russia soon for discussions, indicating ongoing diplomatic engagement in response to the situation.
