India pushes back After U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to “substantially raise” tariffs on Indian exports, New Delhi responded sharply, accusing the U.S. and EU of hypocrisy over their own trade with Russia.
The oil angle India emphasized that its Russian oil imports began only after traditional suppliers diverted shipments to Europe post-Ukraine war. It argued that its trade with Russia is a national necessity, unlike the EU and U.S., whose dealings are “not even a vital compulsion”.
Trade figures revealed:
India-Russia trade hit a record $68.7 billion in FY2025 — nearly 6x pre-pandemic levels.
EU-Russia trade stood at €67.5 billion in 2024, with services trade adding another €17.2 billion.
Trump’s tariff threat Trump accused India of profiting from discounted Russian oil and hinted at a 25% tariff plus an unspecified “penalty”. He claimed India was “selling it on the open market for big profits.”
India’s stance The Ministry of External Affairs called out the “double standards” and defended its energy strategy as essential for national interest.
(source The Financial Express)
—Agencies
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