U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday reacted to India’s assertion that Washington continues to import Russian goods even as it criticises New Delhi for doing business with Moscow.
When asked by a reporter about India pointing out U.S. purchases of Russian uranium and fertilizers, Trump said:
“I don’t know anything about it, I’d have to check, but we’ll get back to you on that.”
The exchange comes amid escalating tensions after Trump imposed 25% tariffs on Indian imports last week, followed by a threat to raise them further over India’s oil and defense purchases from Russia. He described India as “Russia’s largest buyer of energy, along with China.”
India’s Pushback on U.S. Criticism
In response, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) called Trump’s stance “unjustified and unreasonable.”
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal pointed out U.S. trade ties with Russia, stating:
“The U.S. continues to import from Russia uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, palladium for its EV industry, fertilizers, as well as chemicals.”
India reiterated that it will prioritize its national interests and economic security, underscoring that its foreign partnerships should not be evaluated through the lens of any third country.
India’s Energy and Defense Position
India defended its approach to energy procurement and defense sourcing, emphasizing strategic autonomy.
“The sourcing of defense requirements is determined solely by our national security imperatives and strategic assessments. Similarly, our energy needs are guided by what is available in the markets and by prevailing global circumstances,” Jaiswal said.
According to Reuters, India imported $50.2 billion worth of Russian oil in 2024-25, ramping up purchases of discounted commodities after Western sanctions on Moscow in 2022.
Despite Trump’s tariff threats, New Delhi has not issued any directive asking importers to reduce trade with Russia. Officials have made it clear that India’s economic engagement will remain market-driven and insulated from external pressures.