India has strongly opposed former US President Donald Trump’s recent threat to impose higher tariffs in response to the country’s continued purchase of Russian oil. Calling the remarks “unfair and unjustified”, India defended its energy policy and accused the US of hypocrisy over its existing trade with Russia.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump accused India of profiting from the Ukraine war by buying large amounts of Russian oil and allegedly selling some of it in the open market. He claimed that he would “substantially increase the tariffs India pays to the US”, though he did not give any figures. This comes after a separate announcement of a 25% tariff on Indian goods just days ago.
India’s foreign ministry reacted strongly through spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, saying India started importing Russian oil after Western countries diverted their energy supplies following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Jaiswal also pointed out that the US had initially encouraged India’s diversification of energy sources to stabilize global energy markets.
The ministry criticised the US for targeting India by continuing its limited trade of over $3.5 billion with Russia last year, despite sanctions. “Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to protect its national interests and economic security,” the statement said.
India, now one of the largest importers of Russian crude oil, has become an important energy partner for Moscow, especially after many European countries stopped importing Russian oil due to the war. However, India says its purchases are transparent and based on market logic, not politics.
Ajay Srivastava, a former Indian trade official and head of the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), said both private and public refiners in India make purchasing decisions based on price, logistics and availability. “They don’t need government approval to choose a supplier,” he told the BBC, calling Trump’s allegations misleading.
Trump, who will return to the White House in January 2025, has toughened his rhetoric in recent weeks towards both Russia and its trading partners. He has warned that Moscow will face heavy fines if it does not agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine by August 8. Despite previously calling India a “friend”, he has often complained about high tariffs imposed by India on US goods and threatened action.
Meanwhile, reports suggest Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not ordered a halt to Russian oil imports, and India is asserting its right to enter into energy deals in line with national interest.
US envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to make a diplomatic visit to Russia later this week, where he is expected to meet President Vladimir Putin. The visit could play a key role in shaping US-Russia-India relations in the days before Trump’s ceasefire deadline.
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