(Image source from: x.com/WhiteHouse)
US President Donald Trump responded on Tuesday to India's mention of the US trading with Russia while criticizing New Delhi for similar actions. "I am not aware of the details, I need to look into it, but we will follow up on that," he said when asked by a journalist. Last week, Trump announced a 25 percent tariff on items imported from India and other unspecified penalties ahead of his August 1 deadline for these tariffs to begin, even while negotiations for a deal are still happening. Later, he threatened to increase the tariff rate because India purchases military gear and oil from Russia, labeling India as "Russia’s biggest energy buyer, along with China."
In response to Trump's tariff action, India highlighted the US's imports from Russia. "The US continues to buy uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear power, palladium for its electric vehicle industry, as well as fertilizers and chemicals from Russia,” said Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs. New Delhi criticized Trump's focus on India as "unfair and unreasonable," asserting that the government would protect its national interests and economic safety. While Trump maintains his attacks on India, threatening to increase tariffs and accusing the nation of "supporting the war effort" through trade with Russia, his own party member, Indian-American Nikki Haley, has spoken in favor of India.
Posting on X, she called India a "strong partner" and cautioned against the US allowing China to bypass scrutiny. "India shouldn't buy oil from Russia. But China, an opponent and the largest buyer of Russian and Iranian oil, received a 90-day tariff exemption. Don't excuse China and damage a strong relationship with India," she posted. At the same time, Trump also clarified that he never detailed the tariffs the US would apply to nations that purchase Russian energy. When asked if he would enforce his previous 100 percent tariff threat, he said, "I never specified a percentage, but we will do quite a lot of that. We will see what develops soon. But we will see what develops..."
His comments came about a month after he warned of implementing 100 percent tariffs on Russia and additional tariffs on nations dealing with Moscow while setting a 50-day deadline for a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Even when faced with Trump's threats of tariffs, the Indian government has reportedly not told importers to cut back on trading with Russia. India made its position clear about obtaining energy, stating that the country is "led by what is available in the markets and the current global situation." India also mentioned that its relationships with other nations should not be viewed through the lens of a third country. “The way we acquire defense supplies is based entirely on our national security needs and strategic evaluations. Likewise, for our energy needs...we follow what is on the market and the existing global conditions," Jaiswal stated in a press conference last week. As per a Reuters report, in 2024-25, India bought Russian oil valued at $50.2 billion. India increased its imports of Russian products at lower prices after the US and its western partners imposed sanctions on Russia when its conflict with Ukraine began in 2022.
