Indian goods, hit by Trump tariffs ‘can head to Russia’: Moscow slams US as Jaishankar pays visit

The top Russian diplomat posted in India has said that India’s goods affected by US tariffs are welcome in his country.

At a press briefing, Roman Babushkin, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Russian embassy in India, said that Indian exports affected by tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump would be welcome in Russia. He slammed tariffs as “unjustified” and called them “double standards”.

“If Indian goods are facing difficulties entering the US market, the Russian market is welcoming Indian exports,” said Babushkin, adding that any unilateral decisions will lead to “disruptions in supply chains” and endanger the energy security of developing countries.

The remarks have come at a time when External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is in Moscow to hold talks with Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov. Russian leader Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India by the end of the year.

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Trump has slapped 50 per cent tariffs on India. He imposed 25 per cent tariff on July 31 as part of the tariffs’ rollout for more than 60 countries and topped that with additional 25 per cent tariff on August 6 as a punishment for buying Russian oil. He has accused India of fuelling the Russian war machine in Ukraine.

Babushkin dubbed such decisions as “neocolonial behaviour”.

Babushkin said that Russia would continue to supply oil to India. He stressed that Russian oil has no alternative.

“Discount on Russian crude oil is about 5 per cent for India. India understands there is no chance to change supplies. The profit is very high for India. There is no alternative to Russian crude oil as it is very competitive,” said Babushkin.

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Analysts have said that up to 60 per cent of Indian goods to the United States could be affected by tariffs and the GDP growth could fall by up to 1 per cent.