US Criticism Over Russian Oil Imports Is Unjustified And Unreasonable: India Responds To Trump

India on Monday strongly rejected US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose heavy tariffs over its purchase of Russian oil, calling the targeting ‘unjustified and unreasonable’.

In an official statement, the Indian government asserted that it would take all necessary steps to protect its national interests and economic security, just like any major economy would.

India accused both the United States and the European Union of unfairly targeting its decision to import oil from Russia after the Ukraine conflict began.

The Centre reminded that India only turned to Russian oil after traditional suppliers began prioritising Europe.

The United States had even encouraged India to buy Russian crude at the time, to help stabilise global energy markets.

India Defends Need for Russian Oil

India said its oil imports aim to provide predictable and affordable energy for its domestic consumers. The decision, it stressed, stems from market necessity.

However, it questioned the West’s double standards, pointing out that the countries criticising India continue to engage in trade with Russia.

“Unlike our case, such trade is not a vital national compulsion,” the government stated.

Trump, in a social media post, had accused India of re-exporting Russian oil for profit and ignoring the Ukraine crisis.

“I will be substantially raising the tariff paid by India to the USA,” he wrote.

West’s Trade With Russia Far Exceeds India’s

India, however, responded with data showing that the European Union conducted €67.5 billion in goods trade with Russia in 2024 and €17.2 billion in services in 2023. That trade volume far exceeds India’s total trade with Russia.

The government also cited record European LNG imports from Russia, which reached 16.5 million tonnes in 2024. The EU continues to import not only energy but also fertilisers, steel, chemicals, and machinery from Russia.

It added that the US still imports Russian uranium for its nuclear sector, palladium for its EV industry, and other key resources like fertilisers and chemicals.

“In this background, the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable,” the government said once again, reiterating its right to protect national and economic interests.