India rejects Trump's tariff threat; 'Those who criticize India continue to do business with Russia'

The Ministry of External Affairs has strongly responded to the criticism of India by the US and the EU over oil imports from Russia. India started importing oil from Russia when the war in Ukraine began. Since then, the US and the EU have been targeting India.
Oil imports from Russia started when traditional import routes were blocked following the war in Ukraine. The US had encouraged it at that time. The Ministry of External Affairs explained in a press release that it would strengthen the global oil market.
'The global situation forced India to do so. Many countries that are now criticizing India have done oil transactions with Russia. The US buys uranium, components for electric vehicles, special chemicals and fertilizers from Russia. Europe-Russia trade includes not only energy, but also fertilizers, mining products, chemicals, iron and steel, machinery and transport equipment. In this situation, blaming India is not justified. "Like other major economic powers, India needs to consider its national interests and economic security," the statement said.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has once again threatened to impose tariffs on India. Trump wrote on his social media account, Truth Social, that he would increase the tariffs imposed on India. The criticism was directed at India's purchase of oil from Russia.