India has strongly condemned the United States' decision to impose an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods, calling it an “unjustified” response to the country’s ongoing energy imports from Russia.
The move is seen as a major escalation in trade tensions between the two nations.
India responds to US tariffs over Russian oil imports
In a sharp statement issued by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday, New Delhi criticized Washington’s decision to penalize India for purchasing Russian crude oil -- a practice it says is based on market dynamics and critical to its national energy security.
“Our imports are based on market factors and done with the overall objective of ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people,” the statement read.
The ministry stressed that many other countries also continue to import energy from Russia based on their own interests, yet India is being unfairly singled out.
India labels US tariffs ‘unreasonable and unfair’
India made it clear that it considers the new tariffs “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.” The ministry underscored that the decision undermines the principles of international trade and disregards the unique challenges faced by developing economies.
“It is extremely unfortunate that the US should choose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest,” the spokesperson added.
Also Read: Trump imposes additional 25% tariff on India over Russian oil ties
India vows to defend national interest
New Delhi concluded its statement with a firm warning that it will take all necessary steps to safeguard its sovereignty and economic interests in light of these developments.
“India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests,” the ministry declared, signaling that retaliatory measures could be on the horizon.
A short while ago, US President Donald Trump imposed an additional 25% tariff on imports from India, citing New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian crude oil.
Also Read: India defends Russian oil imports amid Trump's fresh threat
The new tariffs, signed under an executive order on Wednesday, come just a week after Trump announced an initial 25% reciprocal tariff, bringing the total to a steep 50%. The move follows the failure of recent US-Russia talks over the war in Ukraine.
Tariffs to take effect within 21 days
According to the White House statement, the latest round of tariffs will be implemented within the next 21 days. Officials described the decision as “necessary and appropriate” in response to India’s indirect and direct imports of energy from the Russian Federation.
The White House further noted that India continues to impose some of the highest import tariffs globally, a concern repeatedly raised by Washington in past trade discussions.
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