India has strongly reiterated its commitment to protecting its national interests in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's latest decision to impose an additional 25% tariff on imports of Russian oil. In a measured yet firm response, New Delhi described the new tariffs as "unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable," affirming that it will take all necessary steps to safeguard its economic and strategic interests.
Key Highlights
- Trump raises U.S. tariffs on Indian imports to 50%, citing India’s Russian oil purchases. India condemns the move as “unfair, unjustified, unreasonable.”
- India asserts energy imports are market-driven and essential for 1.4 billion people, pushing back firmly.
This latest move brings the total tariffs on Indian exports to the U.S. to 50%—significantly higher than those imposed on China (30%) and Pakistan (19%). The new tariffs are set to take effect within 21 days.
In an official statement, India’s Ministry of External Affairs noted, “The United States has, in recent days, specifically targeted India’s oil imports from Russia. We have previously clarified that our imports are driven by market dynamics and aligned with our objective of securing energy access for 1.4 billion Indians. It is deeply unfortunate that the U.S. has chosen to impose additional tariffs on India for pursuing actions that other nations are also undertaking in their national interest.”
The ministry emphasized that such actions by Washington were inequitable and unwarranted, and asserted that India will act decisively to protect its sovereign economic priorities.
Earlier this month, following the U.S. announcement of the 25% tariff, the Indian government stated it was carefully assessing the implications of the decision while remaining committed to achieving a fair and balanced trade relationship.
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Two days ago, the Foreign Ministry highlighted that India is not alone in trading with Russia. “European nations continue to import a range of goods from Russia, including energy, fertilizers, mining products, chemicals, iron and steel, as well as machinery and transport equipment. The U.S. itself continues to source uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear sector, palladium for its electric vehicle industry, and various fertilizers and chemicals from Russia,” the statement said.
“In light of this, singling out India is both unjustified and unreasonable. Like any responsible major economy, India will adopt all necessary measures to uphold its national interest and economic resilience,” the ministry reiterated.
Despite India's stance, President Trump has remained critical of New Delhi’s relationship with Moscow. In a recent statement, he remarked, “India and Russia can take their dead economies down together,” and hinted at the possibility of further tariff hikes.
