 "India criticises US tariffs over Russian oil imports, calls them 'unfair, unjustified and unreasonable'")
India on Tuesday strongly objected to the United States’ move to impose additional tariffs over its oil imports from Russia, calling the decision “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.”
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “The United States has in recent days targeted India’s oil imports from Russia. We have already made clear our position on these issues, including the fact that our imports are based on market factors and done with the overall objective of ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people of India.”
“It is therefore extremely unfortunate that the US should choose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest,” the statement said.
India reiterated that it would take all necessary measures in response. “We reiterate that these actions are unfair, unjustified and unreasonable. India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests,” the MEA added.
The statement came after the Trump administration on Wednesday imposed 25% as additional tariffs on Indian goods, taking the total tariffs to 50%. The move was linked to India’s continued energy dealings with Russia. The new tariffs are set to take effect within 21 days of the order’s signing, meaning by August 27.