New Delhi has slammed the additional 25% levy on its imports as “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable”.
India has sharply criticized a new US tariff linked to its oil trade with Russia, denouncing the move “extremely unfortunate,” while pledging to protect its own national interests.
The White House announced an additional 25% levy on Indian imports on Wednesday, doubling the tariff burden it recently imposed on its major trading partner to 50%. The new duties are set to take effect in 21 days – in late August – according to an order signed by US President Donald Trump.
India’s Foreign Ministry condemned the move, noting Washington is targeting the energy security of the world’s most populous nation.
India’s oil “imports from Russia are based on market factors and done with the overall objective of ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people of India,” the ministry spokesperson said in a statement.
“We reiterate that these actions are unfair, unjustified and unreasonable,” the official added, pointing out that “several other countries” continue to trade with Russia in line with their national interests.
India had exposed the double standards of the Western nations earlier this week. In a strongly worded statement on Monday, New Delhi stressed that, while the US and EU condemn India’s defense and energy ties with Moscow, they both continue to trade with Russia at even higher levels.
US officials have hardened their rhetoric towards New Delhi in recent weeks, criticizing India’s close ties with Moscow. They have also accused the Asian country of “effectively” financing Russia’s conflict with Ukraine by purchasing large volumes of crude. India rejects the charge, insisting its energy policy is rooted in economic necessity and the welfare of its population.
Since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, Russia has emerged as India’s top crude supplier, while India now exports large volumes of refined fuels – much of it made from Russian oil – to EU buyers.
Trump has threatened to impose 100% tariffs on countries that continue business with Russia unless Moscow agrees to a major peace deal with Ukraine. In response to such threats, Russia has said it believes “sovereign states should have, and do have, the right to choose their own trade partners,” as well as to pursue cooperation that suits their national priorities.
