India has strongly responded to the United States President Donald Trump's recent remarks concerning India's import of Russian oil, deeming the criticism "unjustified and unreasonable". The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement defending India's energy strategy, emphasizing that the country's crude oil purchases from Russia are driven by "a necessity compelled by global market conditions" rather than a political endorsement of Moscow.

The response follows Trump's accusation that India is "buying massive amounts of Russian oil and selling it on the open market for big profits," and his threat to penalize New Delhi by substantially raising tariffs. Trump had previously signed an executive order on August 1, titled 'Further modifying the reciprocal tariff rates', which imposed a 25% duty on Indian goods. While the order didn't explicitly mention penalties for Russian oil or military imports, Trump's rhetoric has intensified in recent weeks.

The MEA's statement highlights what it considers "double standards" in the approach of the U.S. and the European Union (EU). It pointed out that the EU's trade with Russia in 2024 was significantly higher than India's. EU imports of Russian LNG, for example, reached a record 16.5 million tonnes. The statement also noted that the U.S. continues to import uranium, palladium, and fertilizers from Russia.

India's import of Russian oil has increased substantially since the onset of the Ukraine conflict, rising from a mere 0.2% of total imports to over 35%. This shift occurred as traditional energy suppliers diverted exports to Europe, and the U.S. initially encouraged India's purchases to stabilize global energy markets. India has maintained that these imports are essential to ensure affordable and predictable fuel prices for its consumers.

The MEA emphasized that India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security. It also pointed out that the criticism from the U.S. and EU is unwarranted, given their continued trade with Russia in various sectors. This trade, unlike India's energy imports, is not a vital national compulsion, the ministry added. The Europe-Russia trade includes energy, fertilizers, mining products, chemicals, iron and steel, and machinery and transport equipment. The U.S. continues to import uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, palladium for its EV industry, fertilizers, and chemicals from Russia.

India's strong rebuttal underscores its determination to pursue an independent foreign policy and prioritize its energy needs in a challenging global environment. The country's leadership has consistently asserted its right to make decisions based on its national interests, regardless of external pressure. This stance reflects India's growing confidence on the international stage and its commitment to protecting its economic and strategic autonomy.