India Responds to US Tariff Threat

In a firm response, the Indian government has addressed the recent threat from US President Donald Trump regarding increased tariffs on Indian goods due to India’s purchase of Russian oil. The government emphasized that India’s imports are driven by necessity, dictated by the current global market conditions. It criticized the stance of both the United States and the European Union, highlighting their own trade engagements with Russia.

Highlighting European Trade with Russia

The Indian government pointed out that European nations have substantial trade relations with Russia. In 2024, the European Union engaged in bilateral trade worth €67.5 billion in goods with Russia, alongside €17.2 billion in services in 2023. These figures surpass India’s total trade with Russia during the same period. Additionally, European imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia reached a record 16.5 million tonnes in 2024, exceeding previous records.

Diverse Trade Between Europe and Russia

The official statement from India detailed that Europe-Russia trade encompasses a wide range of sectors beyond energy, including fertilizers, mining products, chemicals, iron and steel, as well as machinery and transport equipment. This comprehensive trade relationship underscores the complexity of global economic ties.

US Imports from Russia Under Scrutiny

India also highlighted the United States’ continued imports from Russia, which include uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, palladium for electric vehicles, fertilizers, and chemicals. This information was presented to counter the criticism directed at India for its crude oil imports from Russia.

India’s Justification for Russian Oil Imports

The Indian government justified its decision to import Russian crude oil by explaining that traditional suppliers redirected their exports to Europe following geopolitical conflicts. At that time, the United States had encouraged India to import Russian oil to help stabilize global energy markets. The targeting of India by the US and EU was described as “unjustified and unreasonable” given these circumstances.