In a statement, the MEA defended India’s energy strategy, saying that its crude oil purchases from Russia are “a necessity compelled by global market conditions”
India on Monday strongly responded to US President Donald Trump’s latest “tariff” threat over its purchase of Russian oil, saying that targeting New Delhi is “unjustified and unreasonable” and highlighted how the United States continues to import uranium hexafluoride from Russia for its nuclear industry. It also opposed the European Union’s criticism of Indian refiners for their crude exports.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) defended India’s energy strategy, saying that its crude oil purchases from Russia are “a necessity compelled by global market conditions” and not a political endorsement of Moscow.
Statement by Official Spokesperson⬇️
🔗 https://t.co/O2hJTOZBby pic.twitter.com/RTQ2beJC0W— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) August 4, 2025
It further asserted that the country will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.
“India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security,” the statement said, underlining the country’s commitment to stable and affordable energy access for its citizens.
India Calls Out US-EU Hypocrisy
The MEA highlighted that the US and European Union have themselves continued trade with Russia, including in energy and critical commodities, despite publicly opposing the Ukraine conflict.
The MEA further highlighted that the European Union recorded €67.5 billion in goods trade and €17.2 billion in services with Russia — significantly more than India’s trade volumes.
The MEA also highlighted that Europe’s trade with Russia extended beyond energy to sectors such as chemicals, fertilisers, iron and steel, and machinery. The United States, too, has continued importing uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, palladium for its EV sector, and other essential commodities from Russia.
It justified its shift to Moscow for oil imports and termed the targeting by the US and European Union “unjustified and unreasonable”.
“India began importing from Russia because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the conflict. The United States at that time actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening global energy markets stability.”
Donald Trump’s Tariff Threat
The MEA’s response came hours after Donald Trump announced a sharp increase in tariffs on Indian goods, citing New Delhi’s continued import of Russian oil. The US President accused India of “buying massive amounts of Russian oil and selling it on the open market for big profits.”
Asserting that India must “pay” for its ties with Russia, Trump said, “Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the US.”
Trump had earlier imposed 25% tariff on India and an unspecified penalty for buying Russian crude oil and military equipment. However, he did not specify how much he would increase the tariff.
Trump, who has been raising questions over India-Russia ties, last week said he does not care how much business New Delhi does with Moscow.
Russia’s Response
Meanwhile, Moscow took a jibe at Washington for threatening nations with “tariffs,” saying that the latter is having a hard time accepting that its global power is declining.