India's Foreign Minister Hits Back at US Over 'Unjustified' Tariffs

Strategic Insights -

India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, has hit out at the US for imposing "unjustified and unreasonable" tariffs on Indian goods, following the Trump administration's decision to raise duties to over 50 percent as a penalty for India's purchase of Russian oil. Jaishankar argued that the tariff issue was being wrongly presented as an "oil dispute," pointing out that similar criticism had not been applied to larger importers like China and European nations. He emphasized that India's priority is to protect farmers and small producers, and that the government would not compromise on their interests.

Key Takeaways:

  • India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, criticized the US for imposing "unjustified and unreasonable" tariffs on Indian goods, which have been raised to over 50 percent as a penalty for India's purchase of Russian oil.
  • Jaishankar argued that the tariff issue is being wrongly presented as an "oil dispute," and that similar criticism had not been applied to larger importers like China and European nations.
  • India's priority is to protect farmers and small producers, and the government will not compromise on their interests.
  • Jaishankar pointed out the contradiction in the West's stance, saying that Europe trades far more with Russia than India does, and that European money is not seen as funding the war.
  • Jaishankar emphasized that India has every right to take decisions in its own national interest, and that this is what strategic autonomy is about.
  • Talks between India and the US are ongoing despite tensions, with Jaishankar saying that people are talking to each other and that the lines are not cut.

Statistics:

  • The US has imposed tariffs of over 50 percent on Indian goods as a penalty for India's purchase of Russian oil.
  • India's exports to Russia have grown, but not that much, according to Jaishankar.
  • Russia-EU trade is bigger than India-Russia trade, with the EU being the largest oil importer and Russia being the largest trader in the region.

Sources:

  • The Economic Times World Leaders Forum 2025
  • Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
  • Contify.com