The Indian government issued a stern response on Monday following US President Donald Trump’s latest announcement of fresh tariffs on Indian goods, set at 25% starting August 1, 2025. India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in a strongly-worded statement on social media, criticized the “unjustified and unreasonable” targeting of India for continuing energy trade with Russia during the Ukraine conflict.
According to the MEA, India’s increased oil imports from Russia were a strategic necessity, not a political maneuver. The ministry explained that traditional suppliers had diverted energy exports to Europe following the outbreak of war, and India stepped in to ensure affordable and stable energy access for its population. The MEA also pointed out that the United States had, at the time, encouraged India’s purchases to support global energy market stability.
Highlighting the hypocrisy of Western nations, the MEA cited recent statistics: the European Union recorded $74.5 billion in trade with Russia in 2024, including over $18.5 billion in services. It also imported 16.5 million tonnes of LNG that year, beating all prior records. Their trade with Russia extends well beyond energy to include fertilizers, chemicals, mining products, and industrial equipment.
The United States, too, continues to import critical materials from Russia, such as uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, palladium for electric vehicles, and various fertilizers and chemicals. These transactions continue despite vocal criticism of India’s far more limited trade.
In contrast, India’s trade with Russia is both smaller in volume and driven by necessity, not choice, according to the MEA. The ministry firmly stated that India, like any other major economy, will take all necessary steps to protect its economic interests and sovereignty.
President Trump’s tariff announcement on Truth Social framed India’s actions as anti-American, citing high Indian tariffs on US goods, its purchase of Russian oil, and participation in the BRICS alliance, which he labeled “anti-American.” He also hinted at further penalties.
However, India’s official position remains clear—its international relationships and energy strategies will be based on national interest, not foreign pressure. The statement signals that New Delhi will not back down from decisions it sees as essential for economic and energy security.
