India has issued a forceful and detailed response to US President Donald Trump’s recent threat to raise tariffs on Indian exports, calling the targeting “unjustified and unreasonable” and highlighting perceived double standards by the US and European Union regarding trade with Russia. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) released a statement asserting that, like any major economy, India “will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security”.
‘Targeting by US Unjustified’: India Issues Strong Response
Trump’s threats—which include a 25% tariff on Indian goods and public criticism that India is purchasing large volumes of Russian oil and profiting from its resale—come at a time when India has become one of Russia’s main energy customers as European buyers have shifted away from Russian supplies due to the Ukraine conflict. In its rebuttal, India reminded the US that its move towards Russian oil was initially encouraged by Washington itself to stabilize global energy markets after traditional European supplies dried up, and that Western countries, including the EU, continue to trade with Russia at levels far exceeding that of India.
The MEA’s statement also detailed that, in 2024, the European Union’s trade with Russia in goods reached 67.5 billion euros, with additional service trade amounting to 17.2 billion euros—figures that dwarf India’s trade with Russia in the same period. India characterized its continued imports from Russia as a “market necessity,” given the global economic uncertainty and the need to secure affordable energy for Indian consumers. Indian officials further pointed out that the world economy is experiencing instability, and India’s priority is to protect its economic resilience and growth ambitions, such as its goal of becoming the world’s third-largest economy.
Public and political reactions within India have also noted that New Delhi’s stance is significantly firmer than in the past, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders publicly rejecting outside pressure to alter India’s independent foreign and economic policy.
The government is reportedly working on a substantial plan—worth about Rs 20,000 crore—to support Indian exporters impacted by the US tariffs and to promote domestic manufacturing and branding as part of the ongoing “Make in India” initiative.
The situation remains tense, with Indian officials, exporters, and business leaders watching closely to see if the threatened tariffs will be implemented and what further actions both sides may take.
