New Delhi, August 7: India has strongly condemned the United States’ decision to impose additional tariffs on Indian goods, calling the move “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.” The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a firm statement asserting that India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests in response to the 25% hike announced by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The new U.S. tariffs come amid increasing pressure on India over its oil imports from Russia. Addressing the issue, the MEA emphasized that India’s energy purchases are guided by market dynamics and aimed at ensuring the energy security of its 1.4 billion citizens.
The Global Trade Research Institute (GTRI) criticized Washington’s decision, accusing the U.S. of hypocrisy and double standards. GTRI highlighted that while India imported $52.7 billion worth of Russian oil in 2024, China imported $62.6 billion — yet has not faced similar punitive action. The European Union, with imports totaling $39.1 billion (including $25.2 billion in oil), and the U.S. itself, which imported $3.3 billion in strategic materials from Russia, have also escaped such tariffs.
Supporting India’s position, Finland-based think tank CREA (Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air) echoed concerns over selective targeting by Western nations. CREA’s latest data revealed that EU countries have contributed more to Russia’s fossil fuel revenues since the Ukraine conflict began than India has, underlining what New Delhi calls the West’s “double standards.”
Meanwhile, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva voiced solidarity with India, vowing to mobilize BRICS nations against the rising tide of U.S. protectionism. In an interview, President Lula criticized President Trump’s preference for unilateral trade deals over multilateral cooperation, warning that smaller economies must stand united to protect their interests.
With tensions mounting, India has reiterated its readiness to bear any cost to protect its economic sovereignty. “We will not compromise on the interests of our people,” the MEA said, signaling a firm stance in the face of mounting trade and geopolitical pressures.
