In a recent address, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has voiced strong concerns regarding what he perceives as the "selective targeting" of India concerning its stance on the Russia-Ukraine war and trade tariffs, particularly those imposed by the United States. These remarks were made during delegation-level talks with the visiting Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland, Radoslaw Sikorski, in New Delhi.
Jaishankar stated that he has openly shared India's views on the Ukraine conflict and its implications at various international forums, including the United Nations. He has consistently emphasized that singling out India is unfair and unjustified. India's position on the Russia-Ukraine war has been one of advocating for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a peaceful resolution through diplomacy and dialogue. India has also expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis and provided assistance to affected civilians. While maintaining a neutral stance, India has emphasized respect for international law, the UN Charter, and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.
Despite pressure from the West to condemn Russia, India has maintained a strategic partnership with both the US and Russia. This balancing act has allowed India to benefit from the effects of war sanctions, including purchasing discounted Russian oil. However, this stance has also drawn criticism, with some analysts describing it as hypocritical.
In addition to the concerns regarding the Ukraine conflict, Jaishankar also addressed the issue of tariffs. Sikorski echoed Jaishankar's sentiments, acknowledging the unfairness of selective targeting through tariffs and expressing fears of escalating global trade turbulence. He also noted India's increasing engagement with Europe, signaling the importance of India-European Union relations.
The issue of tariffs has recently resurfaced as a point of contention between the US and India. American lawmakers have been urging the US government to intervene and ask India to withdraw a 30% import duty on American pulses, which they consider unfair and harmful to US farmers. This tariff, imposed in October 2025, is viewed by some as a subtle retaliation to earlier US trade measures. While India is the world's largest consumer of pulses, accounting for approximately 27% of global consumption, the US senators argue that the tariff restricts US access to this market.
India's tariff decisions on pulses are primarily driven by domestic agricultural and price-stability requirements rather than targeting specific countries. The decision to impose tariffs was intended to stabilize domestic markets and protect farm incomes.
Despite these trade tensions, India and the European Union appear to be nearing a comprehensive free trade agreement. This agreement, which has been under negotiation for nearly two decades, is expected to be India's largest and most complex trade agreement to date, covering goods, services, and trade rules across the EU's 27 member states. While the deal promises economic gains for both sides, unresolved issues such as climate-linked border taxes and non-tariff barriers could pose challenges.
