Moscow [Russia], August 5 (ANI): Russia on Tuesday reaffirmed that sovereign nations have the right to choose their trade partners and define their economic engagements based on national interests, responding to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to impose steep tariffs on India over its continued import of Russian oil, TASS reported.
“We believe that sovereign countries must have and do have the right to choose their trade partners and independently determine the modes of trade and economic cooperation that best suit their interests,” said Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
Trump stated on Tuesday that the U.S. would “very substantially” raise tariffs on Indian imports, criticizing New Delhi for “fueling the [Russian] war machine.” In an interview with CNBC, Trump alleged that India’s purchases of Russian oil contradicted U.S. global security interests, though he did not specify the proposed new tariff rate.
Trump’s latest remarks build upon his earlier post on Truth Social, where he accused India of re-exporting Russian oil for profits and failing to support Ukraine. “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… I will be substantially raising the tariff paid by India to the USA,” he said.
India rejected the accusations, calling the U.S. targeting of India “unjustified and unreasonable.” The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the government would take all necessary measures to protect India’s national interest and economic security.
MEA officials clarified that India began importing oil from Russia after traditional suppliers diverted energy exports to Europe amid the Ukraine conflict. At the time, the U.S. even encouraged India’s purchases to stabilize global energy markets. “India’s imports are intended to ensure predictable and affordable energy costs for Indian consumers. They are a necessity compelled by global market dynamics,” the MEA noted.
The MEA pointed to what it called “hypocrisy” in Western criticism, highlighting that both the European Union and the United States continue to trade significantly with Russia. The EU recorded €67.5 billion in goods trade and €17.2 billion in services trade with Russia in 2023. In 2024, European LNG imports from Russia hit a record 16.5 million tonnes.
The ministry also cited the U.S.’s ongoing imports of Russian uranium hexafluoride, palladium, fertilizers, and chemicals. “In this background, the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable,” the spokesperson reiterated.
India has consistently defended its energy sourcing strategy, stating that procurement decisions are driven by market conditions and strategic necessity. “Our ties with any country stand on their own merit and should not be seen through the prism of a third country,” MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, emphasizing India’s “steady and time-tested partnership” with Russia.
Trump, when questioned last Friday, said India ceasing oil purchases from Russia would be a “good step,” while simultaneously announcing a 25 percent tariff on Indian goods. His administration has also hinted at penalties for countries importing Russian oil, complicating ongoing efforts for an interim U.S.-India trade agreement.
There are growing concerns that if India halts its Russian oil imports, global crude prices could spike to as much as USD 200 per barrel—posing serious risks to energy markets and consumers worldwide. (ANI)
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