India has strongly condemned the latest trade tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, describing the move as "unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable." The sharp response came after Trump announced an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports, citing New Delhi’s continued oil purchases from Russia. This new measure brings the total tariff burden on Indian goods entering the US to 50%, and is set to take effect from August 27.
In a strongly worded statement, the Ministry of External Affairs defended India’s right to maintain energy security for its 1.4 billion citizens. It clarified that India's crude imports are driven by market considerations and strategic imperatives, not political alignments. The ministry also pointed out that many countries, including members of the European Union and even the United States itself, continue to engage in trade with Russia. Therefore, singling out India was both discriminatory and hypocritical, the ministry argued.
President Trump, however, was unrelenting in his justification. In his executive order, he accused India of indirectly supporting the Russian economy by buying "large amounts" of oil and reselling it for profit. He alleged that India’s actions undermined global efforts to punish Russia for its war in Ukraine and implied that India prioritized profit over human lives. Trump also warned of further measures if any country attempted to retaliate.
The Indian government reiterated that it would not bow to pressure or accept interference in its sovereign foreign policy decisions. India stressed that it would take all necessary actions to safeguard its economic and strategic interests, regardless of external threats.
Interestingly, Russia has expressed support for India amid the growing tensions. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov rejected Trump's threats and described them as unlawful. He condemned attempts to force sovereign nations into cutting ties with Russia, calling such tactics unacceptable in international diplomacy.
This latest flare-up in trade tensions comes after a series of earlier tariff threats and negotiations. Trump had initially proposed reciprocal tariffs during PM Modi’s visit to the US in February. Although talks for a Bilateral Trade Agreement were initiated, they failed to yield consensus. The temporary suspension of tariffs earlier this year has now been reversed with even harsher terms.
Despite mounting pressure from Washington, India has signaled that it will continue to prioritize energy affordability and national interest, and that it will not allow foreign governments to dictate its trade relations. The standoff underscores the growing friction in India-US ties, where strategic cooperation now faces new stress tests from economic and geopolitical disagreements.
