India issued a firm response on Monday to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed threat to impose higher tariffs on Indian goods, following his allegations that India is profiting from the resale of Russian oil.
In a strong statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that such targeting of India by the United States and European Union over oil imports is “unjustified and unreasonable.”
“India will take all necessary steps to protect its national interests and economic security,” the MEA declared.
What Did President Trump Say About India and Russian Oil?
The response from New Delhi comes hours after President Trump took to Truth Social, saying:
“India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits. They don’t care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine.”
He further warned that the U.S. would “substantially raise” tariffs on Indian goods, citing both the resale of Russian oil and India’s high tariffs on U.S. products.
This follows Trump’s previous announcement of a 25% tariff on Indian imports, attributing it to what he described as “unfair trade practices” and India’s continued military and energy partnerships with Russia.
MEA: India’s Oil Imports Are Driven by Energy Security
Statement by Official Spokesperson⬇️
🔗 https://t.co/O2hJTOZBby pic.twitter.com/RTQ2beJC0W— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) August 4, 2025
India pushed back strongly against the accusations, stating that its purchase of Russian oil is a strategic necessity, not a geopolitical stance.
“India began importing from Russia because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict,” the MEA said. “The United States at that time actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening global energy markets stability.”
The ministry stressed that India’s energy imports are meant to ensure predictable and affordable costs for its domestic consumers and that the country is being unfairly singled out.
MEA Highlights Western Trade With Russia
In a detailed rebuttal, the MEA cited Western nations’ ongoing trade ties with Russia, including those criticizing India:
- The European Union had a bilateral trade of €67.5 billion in goods with Russia in 2024.
- EU services trade with Russia was valued at €17.2 billion in 2023.
- LNG imports by Europe in 2024 hit 16.5 million tonnes, setting a new record.
- EU trade with Russia continues across sectors like fertilizers, chemicals, mining products, machinery, and transport equipment.
The ministry added:
“Where the United States is concerned, it continues to import from Russia uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, palladium for its EV industry, fertilizers as well as chemicals.”
“India Will Safeguard Its Economic Security”
The MEA concluded its statement by asserting that India will act like any major economy in defending its economic autonomy.
“Given this background, targeting India is unjustified and unreasonable,” the ministry said. “India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.”
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This developing story reflects growing geopolitical tension over energy trade, Russia sanctions, and global economic diplomacy. Stay tuned to LoudFact for real-time updates and analysis on India–U.S. relations, global trade, and international affairs.
