Trump Targets India With Harshness, Delhi Points Out His Double Standards

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India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, DC –President Donald Trump is taking an unusually harsh stance against India, threatening steep tariff hikes within 24 hours over its continued imports of Russian oil. India, however, has doubled down, citing its energy security as non-negotiable and accusing the U.S. of applying double standards.

Trump announced on August 5 that he would “very substantially” raise tariffs on India, despite its recent offer to drop trade duties to zero. “That’s not good enough because of what they’re doing with oil,” he told CNBC, accusing India of buying Russian crude and reselling refined products for profit. “They’re fueling the war machine,” he said.

Delhi pushed back strongly. “The targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable,” the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement, noting that the U.S. and EU continue trade with Russia — including uranium for the U.S. nuclear sector and fertilizers — even as they criticize India.

While China, Turkey, and European nations also purchase Russian oil, Trump has chosen to isolate India, the biggest importer, as a pressure point in his efforts to force Vladimir Putin back to the negotiating table. But Putin has shown no interest in engaging, despite Trump’s repeated conciliatory gestures — a shift that has begun to frustrate even some in Trump’s MAGA base.

India has made clear it will protect its energy interests. “Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security,” the ministry said.

Trump, meanwhile, dismissed concerns about rising oil prices if India turns to other suppliers. “I’m not worried about prices because we’re drilling at levels nobody’s ever seen before,” he said.

Ironically, while turning the screws on India, Trump said a trade deal with China is “coming very soon.” (with IANS inputs)