Response sparks criticism over alleged double standards
At a White House press conference on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump stated he “doesn’t know anything” about American imports of fertilizers and chemicals from Russia. The comment was made in response to India’s accusation of double standards, as critics question the US while it allegedly continues similar trade practices.
Trump movement: Government versus his own statements
Earlier on Truth Social, Trump had criticized India, claiming that the country was buying massive amounts of Russian oil and reselling it at a profit on international markets. He warned that the US would respond by “substantially raising the tariff paid by India to the USA.” He accused India of disregarding the human cost of the conflict in Ukraine in pursuit of financial gains.
When approached by reporters about allegations that the US also imports Russian fertilizers and uranium, he replied: “I don’t know anything about it. We will have to check.”
India’s Foreign Ministry rejects criticism
India swiftly rejected Trump’s charges, calling them “unjustified and unreasonable.” In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) defended its energy imports from Russia as a strategic necessity, given global disruptions caused by the war in Ukraine.
According to the MEA, India’s shift towards Russia—now supplying over 35% of its crude, up from just 0.2% before the conflict—was driven by dwindling traditional supplies from the Middle East, which were rechanneled to Europe.
While explaining that India had no choice but to rely on Russian oil for affordable energy, the MEA pointed out that several Western nations, including the US, continue to import Russian goods, including uranium hexafluoride, fertilizers, palladium, and other chemical products.
The statement underscored the perceived hypocrisy, stating: “It is revealing that the very nations criticizing India are themselves indulging in trade with Russia… despite the Ukraine war.”
Rising tariff tensions
Trump did not specify the magnitude of any tariff increases, but signaled he was considering “major actions,” observing: “I never said a percentage, but we’ll be doing quite a bit of that. We’ll see what happens over the next fairly short period of time.”
Earlier, he had condemned India’s current 25% tariffs and stated demands that India “give us zero tariffs,” especially given its ongoing energy ties with Russia.
India-Russia energy partnership contrasted
India’s reliance on Russian oil has grown sharply due to shifting global supply chains post-conflict. Despite growing pressure from the US and EU to reduce ties, India has emphasized its need to secure predictable and affordable energy for its domestic consumer base.
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Shame on Indian media which does not have spunk headline and equate the great indian leader with Trump for uttering all sorts of things without knowing the truth.
Love Trump for his ignorance & foolish answers