U.S. President Donald Trump said he was unaware of reports that the United States continues to import chemicals and fertilisers from Russia, amid rising tensions with India over energy trade.
“I don’t know anything about it. We will have to check,” President Trump told ANI when asked about claims that the US maintains commercial ties with Russia, despite criticizing India for doing the same.
The remarks come a day after Trump announced plans to impose steep tariffs on Indian imports. In a post on Truth Social, he accused India of buying discounted Russian crude oil and reselling it, saying the country “doesn’t care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian war machine.”
India responded swiftly, calling the proposed tariffs “unjustified and politically motivated.” In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs defended the oil imports as necessary for energy security and controlling inflation. The ministry also pointed out that the U.S. and European countries continue their own trade with Russia, including imports of uranium, fertilisers, chemicals, and palladium.
New Delhi accused Washington of hypocrisy, alleging that Western nations apply double standards by targeting India while maintaining economic ties with Moscow.
The exchange highlights the growing strain between the two strategic partners as the war in Ukraine continues to shape global alliances and trade policies.
