Washington, DC [US], August 7 (ANI): A senior United States administration official has stated that there is “no comparison” between India’s significantly increased imports of Russian oil and the U.S.’s limited imports of Russian goods. The remarks come amid rising tensions between Washington and New Delhi over trade and geopolitical alignments.
In response to a question from ANI, the official said, “There is simply no comparison between the hundreds of billions of dollars of growing Indian imports of Russian oil, and the modest U.S. imports of Russian goods, which amount to less than 1% of the value of Indian imports.”
The official accused India of “intentionally taking advantage” of the war in Ukraine, suggesting that India has used the conflict as an opportunity to expand energy imports from Russia. “The U.S. imports from Russia are limited to commodities that we don’t currently have good alternatives for, but which we are aggressively working to create more domestic alternatives to reduce reliance on Russia,” the official noted.
“By contrast, India has intentionally taken advantage of the war in Ukraine to dramatically increase its purchases of Russian crude, when there are roughly 40 major crude providers that could satisfy Indian demand,” the official added.
On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order imposing an additional 25 percent tariff on imports from India. Citing national security, foreign policy concerns, and relevant trade laws, the order contends that India’s continued imports of Russian oil—whether directly or indirectly—pose an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to the United States.
As a result of the Executive Order, the total tariff on Indian goods will now amount to 50 percent. The initial duty takes effect on August 7, while the additional 25 percent will come into force after 21 days. The tariffs will apply to all Indian goods imported into the U.S., except those already in transit or qualifying for specific exemptions.
Reacting to the announcement, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) strongly condemned the U.S. move, calling it “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable,” and pledged to take all necessary steps to safeguard India’s national interests.
In an official statement, the MEA said, “The United States has in recent days targeted India’s oil imports from Russia. We have already made clear our position on these issues, including the fact that our imports are based on market factors and done with the overall objective of ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people of India.”
“It is therefore extremely unfortunate that the U.S. should choose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest,” the statement added.
“We reiterate that these actions are unfair, unjustified and unreasonable. India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests,” the MEA emphasized. (ANI)
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