India's response comes amid escalating tensions over its oil purchases from Russia, with officials highlighting the nation's need for energy security following European sanctions.
India Criticizes Trump’s Tariff Threat on Russian Oil Imports
India Criticizes Trump’s Tariff Threat on Russian Oil Imports
India condemns Donald Trump's potential tariffs on Russian oil as "unjustified and unreasonable."
India has denounced former President Donald Trump's recent threats to impose steep tariffs on its imports of Russian oil, labeling the move “unjustified and unreasonable.” Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform, warned of “substantially” higher tariffs on India's oil imports, citing the country's disregard for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Despite India's significant Russian oil purchases, its foreign ministry noted that the U.S. had initially encouraged these imports to aid global energy stability after the Ukraine conflict began in 2022.
Trump’s tariff remarks come shortly after he announced a hefty new 25% levy on Indian goods, expressing dissatisfaction with existing tariffs on U.S. products. His statement accused India of profiting by reselling Russian oil on the global market.
However, Indian officials, including spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, insisted that the targeting of India over its oil trade is unfounded, especially given the U.S. continued trade relationship with Russia, which amounted to $3.5 billion in goods last year despite sanctions.
Ajay Srivastava, a former trade official, defended India's actions, stating they aim to stabilize global markets post-sanctions and emphasized the independent decision-making of Indian refineries in sourcing crude oil. Trump's rhetoric comes as he increasingly adopts a tougher stance towards Moscow, questioning President Vladimir Putin's commitment to peace regarding Ukraine.
As discussions surrounding oil imports and international trade intensify, India remains firm on safeguarding its economic interests amidst external pressures.
Trump's upcoming envoy visit to Russia may further alter the dynamics of U.S.-Russia relations.
Trump’s tariff remarks come shortly after he announced a hefty new 25% levy on Indian goods, expressing dissatisfaction with existing tariffs on U.S. products. His statement accused India of profiting by reselling Russian oil on the global market.
However, Indian officials, including spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, insisted that the targeting of India over its oil trade is unfounded, especially given the U.S. continued trade relationship with Russia, which amounted to $3.5 billion in goods last year despite sanctions.
Ajay Srivastava, a former trade official, defended India's actions, stating they aim to stabilize global markets post-sanctions and emphasized the independent decision-making of Indian refineries in sourcing crude oil. Trump's rhetoric comes as he increasingly adopts a tougher stance towards Moscow, questioning President Vladimir Putin's commitment to peace regarding Ukraine.
As discussions surrounding oil imports and international trade intensify, India remains firm on safeguarding its economic interests amidst external pressures.
Trump's upcoming envoy visit to Russia may further alter the dynamics of U.S.-Russia relations.
