India Will Take All Actions Necessary to Protect Its National Interests, Slams Trump’s Tariff Hike Over Russian Oil Trade
India has officially responded to U.S. President Donald Trump’s sweeping decision to impose an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports, taking the total tariff burden to 50%, in retaliation for India's continued import of Russian crude oil.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a strongly worded statement on Wednesday, condemning the U.S. move as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.”
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| Image Source: PM NaMo on X |
The White House order cited India's crude procurement as contributing to what Trump called an “extraordinary threat to U.S. national security,” linking New Delhi’s energy strategy to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
In its rebuttal, India dismissed the rationale behind the tariffs. “Our imports are based on market factors and done with the overall objective of ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people,” the MEA stated.
The response emphasized that India’s energy decisions were grounded in national interest, a standard applied by several countries, including many in the West.
“It is 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.
This marks the first formal response from India after Trump’s recent escalation.
On Tuesday, Trump told CNBC that he would be “substantially raising tariffs on India within the next 24 hours,” accusing the country of “fueling the Russian war machine” by buying and reselling Russian oil.
India has not responded to those direct comments but has chosen instead to make its broader diplomatic position clear.
Trump’s Order: A Geopolitical Signal
The executive order from Washington goes beyond just trade, it is designed as a geopolitical signal to countries seen as not aligning with the U.S.-led approach to Russia. It specifically allows the U.S. President to further expand tariffs on other nations found to be “directly or indirectly” purchasing Russian oil, including through intermediaries.
Legal analysts note that this gives the U.S. Commerce Department the power to determine future targets for sanctions or tariffs, based on energy trade patterns, a move that could widen the economic standoff with BRICS nations.
India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is currently in Moscow on a scheduled visit to discuss energy, defense, and strategic cooperation.
Though New Delhi has made no public link between the visit and Trump’s latest order, the timing reflects the growing alignment between India and Russia on energy and defense policy amid shifting global blocs.
Global Repercussions
The Indian government has stated that its energy security policy has remained consistent and transparent.
It had earlier pointed out that European nations and the U.S. continue to engage in various forms of trade with Russia, including imports of LNG, uranium, and finished goods, but have selectively targeted India for political reasons.
This double standard, Indian officials argue, cannot be ignored. In a previous briefing, the MEA said that “targeting India in this context lacks justification and logic” and asserted India’s right to pursue its own economic and energy interests.
Strategic Response
Sources within the government have indicated that retaliatory measures, including adjustments in procurement contracts, diplomatic communications, and possible WTO-based challenges, are being considered.
However, a formal announcement on India’s counterstrategy has yet to be made.
India’s latest response ends with a strong signal: “India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests.”