In a statement, the MEA defended India’s energy strategy, stating that crude oil imports from Russia are a sovereign decision based on national interests, affordability, and global market disruptions caused by the Ukraine conflict
Trump said that India was "buying massive amounts of Russian Oil" and selling it for "big profits." File Pic/AFP
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday firmly dismissed former US President Donald Trump’s remarks regarding India’s continued import of Russian oil, labelling his criticism and threat to impose higher tariffs as “unjustified and unreasonable,” the ANI reported.
In a statement, the MEA defended India’s energy strategy, stating that crude oil imports from Russia are a sovereign decision based on national interests, affordability, and global market disruptions caused by the Ukraine conflict. The ministry clarified that India turned to Russian oil as traditional supply chains were disrupted, and European demand diverted suppliers elsewhere.
“The targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable,” the MEA stated, adding, “India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security,” according to the ANI.
US President Trump, in a post on his platform Truth Social, accused India of buying “massive amounts” of Russian oil and reselling it for profit. He claimed this undermined Western efforts to end the Ukraine war and threatened to impose significantly higher tariffs on Indian goods entering the US.
Trump said that India was "buying massive amounts of Russian Oil" and selling it for "big profits."
"They don't care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine," Trump added.
"Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA."
The MEA countered by pointing out the double standards of Western nations, highlighting that the EU's trade with Russia in 2023 far exceeded India’s, with LNG imports alone reaching a record 16.5 million tonnes in 2024.
The United States, it added, continues to import uranium hexafluoride, palladium, fertilisers, and chemicals from Russia for various sectors, as per the ANI.
“India’s imports are a necessity compelled by the global energy situation. Unlike our case, such trade by other countries is not even a vital national compulsion,” the MEA noted, suggesting that critics are overlooking their own substantial dealings with Russia, the news agency reported.
The statement reinforced India’s position that ensuring predictable and affordable energy for its citizens is a key priority, and the country will continue to adopt strategies that support its energy security.
(with ANI inputs)
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