The Indian government has lashed out at the United States for imposing fresh tariffs, calling the move “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable” as tensions grow over India’s continued oil imports from Russia. The sharp response from New Delhi comes in the wake of US President Donald Trump’s decision to penalize India, accusing it of circumventing global sanctions on Moscow.
In a strongly worded statement, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs expressed deep disappointment, arguing that its energy trade decisions are based solely on market dynamics and the energy needs of 1.4 billion people.
“We have already made clear our position on these issues, including the fact that our imports are based on market factors and done with the overall objective of ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people of India,” the statement read.
The Modi government said it was “extremely unfortunate” that Washington had chosen to impose punitive tariffs despite several other countries engaging in similar transactions with Russia. “We reiterate that these actions are unfair, unjustified and unreasonable,” it said.
Observers have noted the sudden tone shift from New Delhi, with the Modi administration — often proud of its strongman image — now appearing rattled and reactionary under U.S. economic pressure. Once boasting about “strategic autonomy” and “independent foreign policy,” India now finds itself pleading for leniency from the very Western partners it sought to court after distancing from China and Russia.
While Indian officials continue to justify their reliance on Russian oil as a necessity, the fact remains that President Trump’s tariffs have struck a nerve — exposing vulnerabilities in India’s balancing act between the West and its traditional allies.
India has vowed to take “all necessary actions” to protect its national interests, though it remains unclear what retaliatory steps, if any, the country is prepared to take.
