India Slams US Tariffs on Russian Oil Purchases: “Unfair, Erodes Trust”
India has strongly criticised the United States for imposing steep tariffs on its imports of Russian oil, arguing the move is unfair and pulls India into a geopolitical dispute that it had no role in starting.
According to a confidential note from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), shared with members of Parliament, Indian officials described the American action as based on misunderstandings of global energy markets and India’s right to make its own choices. The MEA said, “Imposing unilateral, punitive measures on third countries only serves to erode trust and distort global trade norms.”
On August 6, the White House announced an additional 25% tariff on Indian oil purchases from Russia, raising the total tariff to 50% – the highest for any country except Brazil. The US claims this penalises India for supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. India, now the second biggest buyer of Russian oil, relies on these imports for about 40% of its crude needs.
India’s diplomats labelled these penalties as a “geopolitical contest not of its making” and stressed that India doesn’t wish to take sides in the ongoing conflict. The background note described India’s stance as “firm but constructive”, adding that talks with Washington continue with hopes the US may review its position.
Officials also pointed out what they see as double standards – noting that Western countries, including both the US and European Union, still buy Russian energy while singling out India for punishment. “It is unfortunate,” the MEA stated, “that some quarters persist with double standards in the international community.”
Despite the tension, India said it remains committed to working with the US to resolve the dispute, and hopes for a resolution through “dialogue and mutual respect”. However, uncertainty lingers: since August 7, President Donald Trump has ruled out new trade negotiations until the tariff row is settled, though US diplomats say discussions are ongoing. A US team is due to visit India on August 25 for further bilateral trade talks, but the status of that visit remains unclear.
The ministry’s note also highlighted a recent perceived shift in US policy towards Pakistan, following a four-day military clash with India and a new trade agreement between Washington and Islamabad.
Meanwhile, the note mentioned positive developments in Indo-US ties, such as the extradition of a 26/11 terror suspect and American support for a UN statement after the Pahalgam attack. Last month, the US also officially listed The Resistance Front (TRF) as a terrorist group, which India welcomed.
Source
Original reporting based on briefing notes from the Ministry of External Affairs to India’s parliamentary standing committee on external affairs, as seen by The Wire. Additional content from MEA official statements and White House announcements.
