India Slams Trump’s Tariff Threat, Cites Unfair Targeting Over Russian Oil Imports

New Delhi: The Indian government has responded sharply to former US President Donald Trump’s tariff threat, accusing the United States and the European Union of unfairly targeting India for its ongoing oil imports from Russia. In a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday, India defended its energy policy, stressing that its imports are essential for economic security and affordability amid global disruptions.

MEA: India Being Unfairly Singled Out

The MEA clarified that India began sourcing oil from Russia only after Western nations diverted traditional energy supplies due to the Ukraine war.

“India has been targeted by the US and EU for importing oil from Russia, even though such imports were encouraged early on to stabilize global markets,” the statement said.

India argued that its actions are driven by national needs, while the West continues to trade with Russia, despite publicly criticizing India.

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India Trump Tariff Dispute: Data Exposes Western Double Standards

To underscore its point, the MEA cited trade figures:

• The EU’s trade with Russia in 2024 totaled €67.5 billion in goods and €17.2 billion in services.
• EU LNG imports from Russia hit a record 16.5 million tonnes in 2024.
• US imports from Russia continue, including uranium hexafluoride, palladium, and fertilizers.

India maintained that the targeting is unjustified, adding:

“Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard national interests and economic sovereignty.”

Trump Accuses India of Profiting from Russian Oil

Earlier on Truth Social, Donald Trump accused India of reselling Russian oil at a profit while ignoring the Ukraine conflict.

“India is buying massive amounts of Russian Oil and selling it for profit. They don’t care about Ukraine. I will raise tariffs on Indian goods by 25% starting August 1,” Trump posted.

ALSO READ| PM Modi Calls for ‘Swadeshi’ Push Amid Global Uncertainty and US Tariffs on Indian Exports

Trump also claimed that India’s tariffs on US goods are among the highest globally and accused New Delhi of supporting a “broader anti-American agenda” through its BRICS alliance and economic policies.

India Trump Tariff Dispute: What’s Next?

The announcement of 25% tariffs on Indian exports is set to come into effect on August 1, 2025, potentially straining Indo-US trade relations further. With elections in both countries approaching, the India Trump tariff dispute may become a key foreign policy issue in the months ahead.

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