Trump Escalates Tariff War: India Slams ‘Unjustified’ Russian Oil Threat

In a significant escalation of trade tensions, US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to India, threatening “substantially” higher tariffs over its continued large-scale purchases of Russian oil. India has swiftly condemned the move, labeling Trump’s threat as “unjustified and unreasonable.”

The new tariff threat comes just days after Trump imposed a hefty 25% levy on India. In a series of posts on Truth Social, President Trump accused India of disregarding the casualties in the Ukraine conflict by profiting from Russian oil, even suggesting India re-sells the oil for significant gains.

India, a crucial buyer of Russian crude since many European nations reduced trade following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, defended its stance. Randhir Jaiswal, a spokesperson for India’s foreign ministry, stated that the US had initially encouraged India to import Russian gas to stabilize global energy markets. He further noted that India turned to Russian supplies after traditional sources were diverted to Europe.

The ministry also highlighted what it perceives as hypocrisy, pointing out that the US itself conducted an estimated $3.5 billion in trade with Russia last year despite sanctions. India affirmed its commitment to safeguarding its national interests and economic security.

The tariff threats are part of a broader shift in Trump’s foreign policy, which has seen him toughen his rhetoric against the Kremlin despite earlier warming relations after his return to the White House in January. Trump has set an August 8 deadline for a Ukraine ceasefire, threatening severe tariffs on Russian oil and other exports if an agreement is not reached. US envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow later this week, underscoring the high stakes of the ongoing diplomatic efforts.

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