India has strongly rejected what it describes as “unjustified and unreasonable” targeting by the United States and European Union over its continued imports of Russian oil.
In a statement issued on Monday, Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal criticized the Western pressure campaign and made it clear that New Delhi would take all necessary steps to protect its economic interests and national sovereignty.
“The targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable,” Jaiswal said, after U.S. President Donald Trump vowed to significantly increase tariffs on Indian goods due to the country’s oil trade with Moscow. “Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security,” he added, without specifying what those measures would be.
India has emerged as one of the largest buyers of Russian crude oil following the onset of the Ukraine war, as Western sanctions forced Moscow to look for new markets. Indian refineries have capitalized on discounted Russian oil, saving billions of dollars and helping maintain fuel affordability domestically. This move has also indirectly bolstered Russia’s wartime economy, raising concerns in Washington and European capitals.
However, India argued that its decision to import oil from Russia was driven by necessity, especially after traditional suppliers began diverting energy exports to Europe. “India began importing from Russia because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the conflict,” Jaiswal noted. He also highlighted that Washington had, at the time, encouraged India to stabilize global energy markets.
India further criticized what it called “double standards,” pointing out that both the U.S. and EU continue to trade with Russia across various sectors. “It is revealing that the very nations criticising India are themselves indulging in trade with Russia,” Jaiswal stated.
He detailed Europe’s ongoing trade in energy, fertilizers, mining products, chemicals, and transport equipment, while the U.S. continues importing Russian uranium hexafluoride, palladium, fertilizers, and chemicals.
President Trump, in a post on Truth Social, accused India of “buying massive amounts of Russian oil” and selling it at a profit. He announced that tariffs on Indian goods would be substantially increased, though no specific rate was mentioned. Currently, a 10% tariff on Indian exports to the U.S. is expected to rise to 25% by Thursday.
Despite mounting pressure, India remains committed to its independent energy strategy. The foreign ministry emphasized that its actions are guided by national interest and that any interference in its sovereign trade decisions is unwarranted.
With the United States being India’s largest trading partner—accounting for $87.4 billion in Indian exports in 2024—analysts warn that further escalation could strain bilateral relations.
