India has issued a sharp rebuttal to fresh criticism from the United States and the European Union over its continued purchase of Russian oil, calling the pressure “unjustified and unreasonable”. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) asserted that India’s energy imports are driven solely by national interests and energy security, rejecting US President Donald Trump’s latest accusations.
The strongly worded statement came hours after Trump accused India of buying “massive amounts” of Russian crude and reselling it for “big profits”. The US President has already announced a 25% tariff on Indian goods from August 1, 2025, citing what he called unfair trade practices and India’s “anti-American” alignment with the BRICS grouping.
The MEA explained that India turned to discounted Russian oil after the Ukraine conflict disrupted traditional supply chains, with many Middle Eastern suppliers diverting cargoes to Europe. The ministry pointed out that Washington had initially encouraged such purchases to stabilize global energy markets, but is now criticising India despite its own ongoing trade with Russia.
Highlighting what it called Western hypocrisy, the statement cited 2024 EU–Russia bilateral trade in goods worth €67.5 billion, along with €17.2 billion in services. It noted that European imports of Russian LNG reached a record 16.5 million tonnes in 2024, surpassing previous highs. The ministry also listed European imports of fertilizers, chemicals, steel, and machinery from Russia, as well as continued US imports of uranium hexafluoride, palladium, and fertilizers.
The MEA stressed that India’s oil imports are essential to maintain affordable and stable fuel prices for its 1.4 billion citizens, adding that, like any major economy, India has the right to safeguard its national interests.
The latest exchange marks a sharp escalation in trade tensions between New Delhi and Washington, with the potential to impact billions in bilateral trade. India has yet to announce any countermeasures but signaled it will continue sourcing energy based on economic needs rather than political pressure.
