India Defends Oil Purchases Amid U.S. Pressure
As U.S. President Donald Trump announced an increase in tariffs on Indian exports due to the country’s ongoing oil purchases from Russia, India has asserted that its energy decisions are rooted in national interest, reports 24brussels.
On August 4, 2025, Trump threatened to raise tariffs on Indian goods while criticizing India’s substantial imports of Russian oil, which have surged from under 2% to over a third of India’s total oil supply amidst the Ukraine conflict.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian oil, they are then selling it on the open market for big profits. They don’t care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian war machine.” He articulated a clear intention to raise tariffs, characterizing India’s actions as detrimental.
Despite U.S. pressure, the Indian government has defended its oil purchases, citing the necessity to maintain affordable energy for its consumers. An official statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs outlined that these imports were a response to a global energy market reshaped by the conflict. The statement emphasized that traditional supply routes to Europe were disrupted by the war, leading India to seek alternative sources.
Furthermore, the Indian government highlighted the hypocrisy of criticism from the U.S. and EU, pointing out that both entities continue to engage in significant trade with Russia themselves. In 2024, the EU’s trade in goods with Russia amounted to €67.5 billion, alongside an additional €17.2 billion in services, overshadowing India’s trade figures.
The statement further noted, “The targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable. Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.”
In the wake of Trump’s remarks, Indian officials have reiterated their commitment to securing energy supplies while navigating the complex international landscape shaped by the war in Ukraine.
As the situation evolves, the stance of major economies towards their relationships with Russia will remain critical in shaping global energy markets and geopolitical dynamics.
