VOIWORLD/Desk
The diplomatic air between India and the United States grew tense today as New Delhi issued a sharply worded response to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to raise tariffs on Indian goods over the country’s ongoing purchases of Russian oil.
Earlier in the day, Trump took to Truth Social, declaring, “I will be substantially raising the tariff paid by India to the USA,” though he provided no specifics. The comment sparked immediate reaction from Indian officials, who not only pushed back against the threat but also accused both the U.S. and the European Union of hypocrisy.
In a detailed statement, India’s foreign ministry defended its continued imports of Russian crude, arguing that these were driven not by political alignment but by necessity, especially after traditional suppliers had diverted their energy exports to Europe following the outbreak of the Ukraine war.
“What is conveniently ignored,” the statement read, “is that when India began importing Russian oil, the United States itself had encouraged this move—to help stabilize the global energy market.”
India also noted that it is far from being the only country doing business with Moscow. In fact, officials pointed out, the European Union’s trade with Russia far exceeds India’s. In 2024 alone, the EU recorded €67.5 billion in goods trade with Russia, and €17.2 billion in services trade the previous year. EU nations also imported a record 16.5 million tonnes of LNG from Russia in 2024—more than ever before.
The statement went on to list a wide array of European imports from Russia, including fertilizers, iron and steel, mining products, chemicals, and transport equipment. India emphasized that these figures reflect ongoing economic engagement, even as the EU criticizes Indian refiners for doing the same.
The U.S. was not spared from scrutiny either. New Delhi pointed out that America continues to import uranium hexafluoride from Russia for its nuclear sector, as well as palladium—a key material in electric vehicles—alongside Russian fertilizers and chemicals.
“If those pointing fingers are themselves indulging in trade with Russia, their criticism rings hollow,” the foreign ministry stated, calling the targeting of Indian imports “unjustified and unreasonable.”
India’s statement ended on a firm note, asserting that the country would not compromise its national interest or economic security. “Like any major economy,” it said, “India will take all necessary steps to safeguard its sovereignty and stability.”
The escalating exchange signals a potential fault line in U.S.-India relations, particularly if Trump were to return to office in 2025. While both countries have strengthened ties in recent years—especially in defense and technology—India’s position on the Russia-Ukraine war has always remained independent, focused more on energy security than alignment.
Now, with campaign rhetoric heating up and global energy politics in flux, India’s message is clear: it won’t be lectured by those still doing business with Moscow behind closed doors.
By Voi World