India has strongly criticized the new decision by US President Donald Trump to place extra taxes on Indian goods. The government said on Wednesday that these new tariffs are unfair, not justified, and go against reasonable trade practices. President Trump recently signed an executive order to impose an additional 25% tax on Indian imports. He claimed the reason was India’s continued purchase of oil from Russia.
A spokesperson from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “We repeat that these actions are unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable. India will do whatever is needed to protect its national interests.” The spokesperson added that India’s oil imports are guided by market needs and the country’s goal of providing energy security to its 1.4 billion people.
The US has recently shown concern about India buying oil from Russia. However, India clarified that its trade decisions are based on practical needs and not politics. “We have already explained our position clearly. Our energy choices are based on market prices and the need to secure fuel for our people,” the MEA said.
India also pointed out that other countries are also buying oil from Russia based on their own national interests. “It is very unfortunate that the US has chosen to target India when many others are doing the same thing,” the MEA stated.
President Trump’s executive order says that India is either directly or indirectly buying oil from Russia. The US claims this threatens its own national security and foreign policy. Because of that, all Indian goods that enter US customs will now face an extra 25% tax unless they fall under special exceptions.
These new tariffs will begin 21 days after the order was signed. However, goods that are already on the way to the US and are cleared before September 17 will not face the new tax. This move is part of a larger push by the US to enforce its sanctions against Russia after its actions in Ukraine.
India, while expressing disappointment, made it clear that it will put its national interest first and take necessary steps to deal with the impact of these new trade rules.