Jaishankar Questions U.S. Tariffs Over Russian Oil
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said he was “perplexed” by the U.S. decision to impose tariffs on India for continuing oil imports from Russia. He stressed that China remains the largest importer of Russian oil and the European Union is the biggest buyer of Russian LNG, while India’s share is far smaller. He also reminded that India has increased crude imports from the U.S., making Washington’s position difficult to justify.
U.S. Tariffs Deepen Trade Strain
The United States recently imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods — combining a 25% “reciprocal tariff” with another 25% penalty linked to Russian energy trade. This is among the harshest tariffs the U.S. has placed on any partner and has raised concerns about long-term trade stability between the two countries.
India–Russia Ties Remain Strong
Speaking in Moscow after talks with Russian officials, Jaishankar described India–Russia relations as “among the steadiest major partnerships since World War II.” He reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening cooperation in energy, trade, and defence, stressing that decisions on oil imports are guided by national interest and not geopolitical pressure.
Call Against Double Standards
Jaishankar also criticised Western powers for double standards, pointing out that other major economies continue to trade extensively with Russia without facing similar U.S. action. He said India will continue to pursue a balanced energy policy that secures affordable supplies for its people while contributing to market stability.
