India Denounces US, EU Targeting Over Russian Oil Amid Rising Trade Disputes

India has strongly defended its continued imports of Russian oil, emphasizing that these purchases are driven by national interest and economic necessity due to global supply disruptions following the Ukraine conflict. The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted that India began sourcing Russian oil only after traditional suppliers diverted exports to Europe, and that this move was initially encouraged by the United States to stabilize global energy markets. India criticized the United States and the European Union for targeting it while continuing substantial trade with Russia themselves, including significant EU imports of energy and other goods, and U.S. reliance on Russian materials for critical industries. President Donald Trump has threatened to substantially increase tariffs on India as a penalty for these imports, following the U.S. administration's earlier imposition of a 25% reciprocal tariff effective August 7. India called out these actions as unjustified and unreasonable, asserting its need to maintain affordable energy costs for its consumers and protect its economic security. The Indian government underscored that unlike India, Western nations' trade with Russia is not compelled by vital national interests but represents far larger economic engagements.