Washington DC [US], August 5 (ANI): Former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley has publicly criticized President Donald Trump for his proposed sharp increase in tariffs on India over its oil imports from Russia, cautioning against alienating a key ally while appearing lenient toward China.
In a post on X, Haley wrote, “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.”
Haley, who was the last major rival to exit the Republican primary race last year, voiced her concerns shortly after Trump stated that he would substantially increase tariffs on Indian imports—citing India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. Trump claimed that these purchases are indirectly fueling Russia’s war in Ukraine and announced that a new tariff rate would be set “very substantially” within 24 hours.
“They’re fueling the war machine, and if they’re going to do that, then I’m not going to be happy,” Trump said in an interview with CNBC, as reported by Reuters. While he criticized India’s high tariffs, he did not provide specifics on the new rates.
In a previous statement on Truth Social, Trump accused India of buying large volumes of Russian oil and selling it for profit on the open market. “India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits. They don’t care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine,” he said. “Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA.”
Haley’s criticism pointed to what she sees as a double standard in the Trump administration’s trade policy, highlighting the 90-day tariff pause agreed with China. During this pause, US tariffs on Chinese imports were reduced from 145% to 30%, and Chinese tariffs on US goods dropped from 125% to 10%, according to Al Jazeera.
India responded strongly to Trump’s threats, calling them “unjustified and unreasonable.” The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that India’s oil imports from Russia were a result of global market dynamics and necessity after traditional suppliers redirected resources to Europe due to the Ukraine conflict.
“In fact, India began importing from Russia because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the conflict,” the MEA noted. “India’s imports are meant to ensure predictable and affordable energy costs to the Indian consumer. They are a necessity compelled by the global market situation.”
The ministry also highlighted the hypocrisy in the criticism of India, pointing out that both the European Union and the US have continued substantial trade with Russia across multiple sectors. In 2024, EU-Russia trade in goods was valued at €67.5 billion, with services totaling €17.2 billion. EU imports of LNG from Russia hit a record 16.5 million tonnes.
The MEA also cited US imports of Russian uranium hexafluoride, palladium, fertilizers, and chemicals, asserting that “targeting India is unjustified and unreasonable.” The statement emphasized that “India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.”
Responding to Trump’s comments, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated that India’s energy policies are driven by market conditions and national interests. “Our ties with any country stand on their merit and should not be seen from the prism of a third country,” Jaiswal said.
Trump had earlier indicated that if India ceased buying oil from Russia, it would be “a good step.” He had imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods and announced a penalty for oil imports in late July, despite ongoing discussions for a potential interim US-India trade deal aimed at reducing such tariffs.
Experts warn that a halt in India’s Russian oil imports could spike global crude prices to USD 200 per barrel, triggering widespread economic disruption. (ANI)
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