 "EAM S Jaishankar -File Photo/AP")
Amid Donald Trump’s renewed tariff threats targeting India’s trade and defence links with Russia, New Delhi has pushed back, calling for a more balanced and inclusive global order—one not dictated by a few dominant powers.
Speaking at the BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival in New Delhi on Monday, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said, “We live in complicated and uncertain times. Our collective desire is to see a fair and representative global order, not one dominated by a few.”
His remarks came shortly after Trump announced a new round of tariffs on Indian goods, accusing New Delhi of re-exporting discounted Russian oil for profit. “India is buying massive amounts of Russian oil and selling it on the open market for big profits,” the former US president claimed, describing the levies as a “penalty” for India’s continued energy and defence engagement with Moscow.
India promptly dismissed the move as “unjustified and unreasonable.” In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs clarified that its crude oil imports from Russia were dictated by economic necessity and global market volatility—not political allegiance.
New Delhi also called out what it described as Western double standards, noting that the US continues to import uranium compounds from Russia for its nuclear industry. “India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security,” the MEA added.