New Delhi: In a strong diplomatic pushback, India on Wednesday condemned the United States for imposing additional tariffs on Indian goods over continued oil imports from Russia, calling the move “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.”
The condemnation came after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order hiking tariffs by another 25%, bringing the total to a steep 50% on Indian exports, the highest level currently imposed on any country apart from Brazil.
In a sharply worded statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) asserted that India’s energy policy is dictated by market dynamics and the national interest of 1.4 billion people, not by external pressure.
“The United States has targeted India’s oil imports from Russia in recent days. We have already conveyed that our energy decisions are based on market realities and the imperative of energy security for our citizens,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
He added, “It is therefore deeply regrettable that the US has chosen to penalize India for actions that many other countries are also pursuing in their strategic interests. These additional tariffs are unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable. India will take all necessary steps to safeguard its national interests.”
The Trump administration has defended the tariffs as part of its ongoing punitive campaign against Russia for its actions in Ukraine. The executive order, dated August 6, states that new intelligence justifies expanded economic measures.
“The actions and policies of the Government of the Russian Federation continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States,” the order noted.
The White House had earlier imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods in July, warning of further escalation unless India sharply reduced its oil imports from Russia.
India has repeatedly emphasized that its trade with Russia, including energy purchases, does not violate international law and is not bound by unilateral sanctions.
The latest escalation risks straining Indo-US relations at a time when New Delhi is seeking to balance its strategic ties with both Washington and Moscow in an increasingly polarized global order.
