Trump Shrugs Off India’s Criticism Over US-Russia Trade Amid Tariff Row: “I’d Have to Check”

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday dismissed concerns raised by India over the United States continuing trade with Russia while criticising New Delhi for doing the same. When asked about India’s objections, Trump responded, “I don’t know anything about it, I’d have to check, but we’ll get back to you on that.”

The statement came as tensions continue to rise between Washington and New Delhi over India’s growing defence and energy ties with Moscow. Last week, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Indian imports and warned of further penalties, accusing India of being “Russia’s largest energy buyer, along with China.”

India Hits Back, Cites US-Russia Trade

India’s Ministry of External Affairs pushed back strongly against Trump’s criticism, calling the tariffs “unjustified and unreasonable.” Citing examples, spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the US continues to import uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear sector, palladium for electric vehicles, fertilisers, and other chemicals from Russia.

“India will always act in its national interest and safeguard its economic and strategic security,” Jaiswal said.

India also clarified that its decisions on sourcing energy or defence equipment are based on market availability, strategic assessments, and prevailing global conditions — not influenced by external pressures.

“The relationship India shares with any country should not be viewed through the prism of a third nation,” Jaiswal added.

Trump Walks Back on 100% Tariff Threat

Despite earlier threats of 100% tariffs on countries buying Russian oil, Trump appeared to soften his stance on Tuesday.

“I never said a percentage, but we’ll be doing quite a bit of that,” he said during a press briefing. “We’ll see what happens over the next fairly short period of time.”

This comes a month after Trump issued a 50-day deadline to Russia to make progress toward peace in Ukraine or face sweeping tariffs — including secondary sanctions on countries trading with Moscow.

Nikki Haley Breaks Ranks, Backs India

Even as Trump escalates pressure, Indian-American Republican leader Nikki Haley struck a more conciliatory tone. In a post on X, she urged the US not to jeopardise its relationship with India while seemingly giving China a pass.

“India should not be buying oil from Russia. But China, an adversary and the number one buyer of Russian and Iranian oil, got a 90-day tariff pause,” Haley wrote.
“Don’t give China a pass and burn a relationship with a strong ally like India.”

India Unmoved by Pressure

Despite mounting US threats, the Indian government has reportedly not issued any directive to reduce imports from Russia. Instead, it defended its energy strategy, pointing out that many traditional suppliers had diverted exports to Europe following the Ukraine war and Western sanctions.

According to Reuters, India imported $50.2 billion worth of Russian oil in 2024–25, taking advantage of discounted rates and ensuring energy security amid global uncertainty.

As Trump continues to navigate geopolitical tensions while keeping an eye on the 2028 elections, his trade policy — especially toward allies like India — is likely to remain a flashpoint in global diplomacy.