India has hit back at the United States in defense of its oil purchases from Russia after President Donald Trump issued a new threat of tariffs tied to the trade.
The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside of office hours.
Why It Matters
The increasing friction between India and the United States is in part an indication of the failure to reach a trade deal between the Trump administration and the world’s most populous country and fastest growing top economy. Increasingly friendly U.S. relations with Indian rival Pakistan have been another irritant in the relationship.
But it also highlights a souring in a relationship that is key for global security, with India seen as a potential bulwark against China for the United States while pursuing a foreign policy that had traditionally been strongly independent.
What To Know
Trump issued a new threat of tariffs on India on Monday, linking it to India’s purchases of Russian oil. It came at a time when Trump was seeking to increase pressure on Russia over its war in Ukraine, which has only increased in intensity despite the president’s pledge to end it as soon as he took office.
India’s External Affairs Ministry said in a statement that its purchases of oil from Russia were a necessity compelled by the state of the global market. It challenged criticism over the oil deals from both the United States and European Union.
“It is revealing that the very nations criticizing India are themselves indulging in trade with Russia. Unlike our case, such trade is not even a vital national compulsion,” the statement from the ministry spokesperson said.
“Where the United States is concerned, it continues to import from Russia uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, palladium for its EV industry, fertilizers as well as chemicals.”
Ukraine Invasion
New Delhi said Washington had encouraged it to buy Russian oil after the invasion of Ukraine in 2022 to stabilize the global energy market.
It also said the EU’s trade with Russia had been significantly bigger than India’s. Russia has continued to make billions from energy exports despite Western sanctions to try to apply pressure over the Ukraine war.
“Europe-Russia trade includes not just energy, but also fertilizers, mining products, chemicals, iron and steel and machinery and transport equipment,” it said.
“The targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable. Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.”
In the absence of a trade deal with the United States, India has meanwhile been pursuing other agreements and strengthening its ties with China.
What People Are Saying
U.S. President Donald Trump on Truth Social: “India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits. They don’t care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA. Thank you for your attention to this matter!!! President DJT”
India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson: “India’s imports are meant to ensure predictable and affordable energy costs to the Indian consumer. They are a necessity compelled by global market situation. However, it is revealing that the very nations criticizing India are themselves indulging in trade with Russia. Unlike our case, such trade is not even a vital national compulsion.”
What Happens Next
India is unlikely to be swayed by U.S. pressure and in the absence of a trade deal is likely to continue to take an independent line. The worsening of the relationship between the United States and India could be to the benefit of U.S. rivals Russia and China as they also seek to cement India in their camp.
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