India Rejects Trump’s Remarks on Russian Oil Trade
The Indian government has strongly rejected recent remarks made by U.S. President Donald Trump, who accused India of purchasing large quantities of Russian oil, refining it, and selling it in the global market, including possibly to the United States. Trump also threatened to impose higher tariffs on Indian exports if this continued.
Government Calls Trump’s Remarks Unjustified
In response, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that India’s energy trade practices are transparent, legal, and aligned with national interest. The official statement emphasized that targeting India in this manner is “unjustified and unreasonable.” The government also reiterated that India’s decisions in the energy sector are based on market realities and aimed at ensuring affordable and reliable energy for its population.
Officials stated that India has been acting within the bounds of international trade rules and not violating any sanctions. They pointed out that India is not a party to the Western sanctions on Russia, and its imports of crude oil from Russia are well within its sovereign rights.
Clarification on Refining and Resale
Regarding the claim that India is reselling Russian oil after refining it, the Indian government explained that such refining is standard practice globally. Refined petroleum products from Indian refineries are exported to many countries, including the U.S. and European Union, based on commercial contracts. These transactions, according to the government, are fully compliant with global norms and not an attempt to circumvent any sanctions.
Trade Relations Under Strain
The escalation in rhetoric comes at a time when trade ties between India and the U.S. are under close watch. While India has seen increasing exports to the U.S., recent geopolitical developments, especially over Russian oil purchases, have led to a few friction points. Trump’s statement about potential tariffs adds a new layer of uncertainty ahead of the upcoming U.S. elections.
Despite this, Indian officials have maintained that bilateral relations remain strong and are resilient enough to overcome occasional disagreements. No official announcement has been made yet about any change in U.S. policy or tariffs on Indian goods.
