India has strongly rejected US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose higher tariffs over its continued imports of Russian oil, calling the move “unjustified and unreasonable.”
Responding to Trump’s accusation that India is importing Russian crude in large volumes and reselling it globally for profit, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that the country’s energy purchases are based on national economic needs and global supply dynamics.
“The comments targeting India are neither fair nor warranted,” the MEA said in a statement. “Such criticism ignores the fact that many Western countries, including the U.S. and Europe, continue their own trade with Russia—ranging from energy and fertilizers to advanced materials.”
India also highlighted that it turned to Russian oil only after traditional suppliers began diverting shipments to Europe following the onset of the Ukraine conflict—an adjustment that had U.S. backing at the time to stabilize markets.
“Europe-Russia trade includes not just energy, but also fertilisers, mining products, chemicals, iron and steel and machinery and transport equipment.Where the United States is concerned, it continues to import from Russia uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, palladium for its EV industry, fertilisers as well as chemicals,” the MEA said in a statement.
The government reiterated that India, as a sovereign and major economy, reserves the right to make strategic decisions in its national interest. “India began importing from Russia because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the conflict. The United States at that time actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening the global energy market’s stability. Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security,” the MEA added.
Trump’s tariff remarks come amid growing friction between Washington and New Delhi over India’s oil diplomacy. A 25% tariff on Indian goods is already in effect, with Trump warning of a steeper hike soon.
