US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce declined to directly address India’s response to President Donald Trump’s threat to impose punitive tariffs over its continued purchase of Russian oil.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, Bruce was asked about remarks made by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. She responded, “I will not characterise or remark on another nation’s comments about what they will or will not do.”
With a hint of irony, she added, “I can barely do that here.”
Nevertheless, Bruce did criticise India’s oil trade with Russia, stating, “President Trump is the guiding hand, and when it comes to what Russia is doing and those nations that are facilitating this war on Ukraine, it will be up to President Trump about how to respond.”
Her remarks followed President Trump’s declaration that India could face steep tariffs within 24 hours for purchasing Russian oil and allegedly reselling refined products, a threat in addition to the 25 per cent tariff he announced last Friday.
“They are buying Russian oil and fueling the Russian war machine,” Trump alleged.
Responding indirectly, EAM Jaishankar said on Monday, “We live in complicated and uncertain times. Our collective desire is to see a fair and representative global order, not one dominated by a few.”
India’s Ministry of External Affairs reinforced this message. He asserted, “Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.”
It also called out the selective focus on India, highlighting the European Union’s $67.5 billion trade with Russia. It further noted continued US imports of Russian uranium, palladium, fertilisers, and other goods.
Former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, who previously ran against Trump in the Republican primaries, also spoke out.
Taking to X, she posted, “India should not be buying oil from Russia. But China, an adversary and the number one buyer of Russian and Iranian oil, got a 90-day tariff pause. Don’t give China a pass and burn a relationship with a strong ally like India.”
India should not be buying oil from Russia. But China, an adversary and the number one buyer of Russian and Iranian oil, got a 90-day tariff pause. Don’t give China a pass and burn a relationship with a strong ally like India.
— Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) August 5, 2025
Defending the tariff strategy, Bruce explained that secondary sanctions are part of President Trump’s broader toolkit.
“This is one of them he (and in which he) has invested a great deal of and will continue to regarding the wars and the conflicts around the world to stop them,” Bruce noted.
The US State Department Spokesperson further added, “And as a businessman, he likes to use, understandably, the tools that can make a difference with countries we usually.”
“It is about the economy,” she concluded. “And that’s a very specific approach. It’s something every country can understand.”
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