India pushes back on US, EU criticism over trade with Russia

ANKARA

India on Monday pushed back on criticism by the US and EU over its continued trade with Russia, asserting that New Delhi will “safeguard national interests.”

The statement came shortly after US President Donald Trump threatened higher tariffs on Indian imports, accusing the world’s most populous nation of profiting from the resale of Russian oil.

India’s Foreign Ministry defended its position, saying the country began importing oil from Russia “because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict.”

“The United States at that time actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening global energy markets’ stability,” the ministry said in a statement issued after Washington imposed an unexpectedly high 25% tariff on Indian goods.

It added that India’s purchases of Russian oil “are meant to ensure predictable and affordable energy costs to the Indian consumer. They are a necessity compelled by global market situation.”

The ministry also pointed to what it described as “revealing” of the countries criticizing India, adding that some continue to trade with Russia. “Unlike our case, such trade is not even a vital national compulsion.”

Citing official date, the ministry said that last year the EU engaged in €67.5 billion ($78 billion) in bilateral trade in goods with Russia, while the US “continues to import from Russia uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, palladium for its EV industry, fertilizers as well as chemicals.”

Thus, the “targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable,” the statement said.

“Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security,” it added.

Russian oil last year accounted for 35% to 40% of India’s total oil imports.