India has firmly rejected Donald Trump’s recent threat to impose much higher tariffs on its oil purchases from Russia, labeling it “unjustified and unreasonable.” In a post on Truth Social, Trump criticized India, suggesting they are indifferent to the human cost of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
India has emerged as one of the largest buyers of Russian oil, especially after many European countries cut ties following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This move has placed India in a crucial role in the global oil market, and it has been criticized by some for continuing to engage with Russia.
Trump hinted at increasing tariffs, building on an earlier announcement for a 25% levy against India. In this context, the Indian foreign ministry, represented by spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, pointed out that the U.S. initially encouraged India to buy Russian gas during the crisis, aiming to stabilize global energy markets. This, they say, shows a contradiction in the current U.S. stance.
In 2022, even with the sanctions in place, the U.S. conducted about $3.5 billion in trade with Russia, which raises questions about the fairness of targeting India. “India will take necessary steps to ensure its interests and economic security,” Jaiswal stated, reiterating that targeting India specifically is not justified.
Trump, while calling India a “friend,” expressed discontent with India’s tariffs on U.S. imports and threatened unspecified penalties over its dealings with Russia. In another critical post, he claimed India profits from reselling Russian oil, suggesting that this justifies his proposed tariffs.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not instructed Indian refineries to stop purchasing Russian oil, showing that the government supports its independent decision-making. Ajay Srivastava, a former Indian trade official, argued that India’s actions are transparent and understandable by U.S. standards. He emphasized that Indian refineries make independent decisions based on price and supply security, not merely government direction.
Globally, the narrative around this crisis shifts as relations between the U.S. and Russia change continuously. Trump’s tone has become much harsher against Russia, accusing its military of war crimes and threatening severe tariffs on Russian oil exports unless a ceasefire is reached in Ukraine.
As the situation develops, discussions about energy, trade policies, and international relations remain pivotal. Understanding these complex dynamics is crucial for navigating the future of global trade and security.
Source link
