India has firmly pushed back against criticism from the United States and European Union over its purchases of Russian oil, labeling the scrutiny as “unjustified.” Foreign Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal stated that India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its economic interests, emphasizing that major economies like the US and EU also maintain trade ties with Moscow.
Jaiswal pointed out that while India faces backlash, European nations continue importing Russian fertilizers, chemicals, and machinery. Similarly, the US still buys uranium hexafluoride for nuclear plants and palladium for electric vehicles from Russia. “Unlike India, these trades are not driven by vital national necessity,” he argued, accusing Western powers of hypocrisy.
India became a key buyer of discounted Russian oil after Europe cut imports following the Ukraine invasion. New Delhi defended its stance, stating it filled the gap only after traditional suppliers redirected oil to Europe—a move initially supported by Washington. However, former US President Donald Trump recently threatened to impose higher tariffs on Indian goods, citing “massive” Russian oil purchases.
The US is India’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding $87 billion in 2024. But Trump’s proposed tariff hike—potentially from 10% to 25%—could strain relations. Meanwhile, the EU and UK have tightened sanctions on Russian oil, further complicating global energy dynamics. India maintains that its trade policies prioritize national stability, refusing to bow to external pressure.
