India has fiercely countered the 50% tariff imposed by the U.S., labeling it as 'unjust' and 'politically motivated'. The Trump administration has accused India of indirectly financially supporting Moscow in the Ukraine war through its Russian oil purchases. Government sources told Aaj Tak, 'Making India a scapegoat won't lead to peace. It may serve political interests, but cannot contradict facts.'
Earlier this month, President Donald Trump announced a 25% base tariff on Indian imports and an extra 25% tariff on Russian oil purchases. Trump claims India's oil buys enable Russia to continue the war in Ukraine. During his presidential campaign, Trump stated he would end the Ukraine war immediately upon taking office.
Sources close to the central government told Aaj Tak, 'Peace cannot be achieved by scapegoating. India has advocated diplomacy at the United Nations. By purchasing Russian crude oil, India has stabilized the global market, kept fuel affordable, and controlled inflation both domestically and internationally.' Government sources also questioned the double standards of Western countries, who import energy from Russia while targeting India.
Early in the Month:
President Trump inaugurated tariffs, challenging India's economics and politics.
India's stabilizing role in the
Global Oil Market
Sources said, 'Europe continues to buy gas from Russia, and the U.S. imports uranium. India acted responsibly, adhered to global rules, and prevented fuel prices from skyrocketing. By purchasing Russian oil, India averted a global crisis, as Russia accounts for about 10% of global oil supply. Ceasing purchases could have skyrocketed crude oil prices to $200 per barrel. India has provided stability to the global oil market and offered inflation relief worldwide.'
India has also refuted accusations of 'profiteering' from Russian oil. Government sources stated that Russian oil isn't subject to embargoes like those on Iran or Venezuela and sells under price-cap rules designed by Western countries, preventing profiteering. If the U.S. wanted to ban Russian oil, it would have, but it hasn't because it needs Russian oil in the market.'
Read also: What's Next for Trump's Tariffs? The U.S. Court Draws a Line on Trade Strategy, Learn the Verdict
India's Trade with Russia is Entirely Legal
Last week, White House Trade Advisor Peter Navarro accused India of playing a role in the Ukraine war and termed it a 'laundromat' for Russian oil. In response, government sources stated that when global oil prices reached $137 per barrel, India lowered fuel prices for its citizens. State-run oil companies incurred a ₹21,000 crore loss, and the government imposed export taxes to curb profiteering. Sources clarified that the U.S. never asked India to stop buying Russian oil, and India's trade is entirely legal, complying with G7 and EU price-cap rules.
India and Russia have pledged to continue their bilateral trade partnership, while New Delhi reaffirmed its friendly ties with the U.S. Sources said, 'India is co-producing jet engines with General Electric (GE), acquiring MQ-9 drones, and deepening Quad and Indo-Pacific defense relations. India is the only major power actively countering China militarily in Asia, directly benefiting U.S. strategic interests.'
