New Delhi, August 5, 2025 — India has issued a strongly worded rebuke to the United States and European Union, accusing both of hypocrisy over their criticism of India’s continued oil imports from Russia. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the targeting of India as “unjustified and unreasonable,” asserting that Western nations themselves maintain substantial trade ties with Moscow despite the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The diplomatic flare-up follows recent remarks by US President Donald Trump, who threatened to “substantially raise” tariffs on Indian goods, citing India’s purchase of discounted Russian crude. The White House had earlier imposed a 25% tariff on Indian imports, with Trump suggesting additional penalties were imminent.
India defended its energy strategy, stating that its Russian oil imports are driven by economic necessity and global market disruptions. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that traditional suppliers had diverted exports to Europe following the Ukraine conflict, prompting India to seek alternative sources. “The United States at that time actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening global energy markets’ stability,” he noted.
The MEA highlighted that the EU conducted €67.5 billion in trade with Russia in 2024, including record imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) totaling 16.5 million tonnes. The US, meanwhile, continues to import Russian uranium hexafluoride, palladium, fertilizers, and chemicals.
India’s statement also pointed out that its trade with Russia is largely limited to energy, unlike the broader commodity exchanges seen in Europe-Russia relations. “Unlike our case, such trade is not even a vital national compulsion,” the MEA said.
The escalating rhetoric threatens to strain India’s growing strategic ties with the West. Both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress have condemned Trump’s remarks, calling them disrespectful and detrimental to bilateral relations.
India reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding national interests and economic security, while signaling that it will not yield to external pressure. The next round of trade talks with the US is scheduled for August 25–29 in New Delhi.
