India Stands Firm Amid Rising US Trade Tensions Over Energy Policies
New Delhi
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a firm message at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum, stressing that while trade negotiations with the United States continue, New Delhi will not compromise on its core priorities concerning farmers, small-scale producers, and energy security.
Responding sharply to U.S. criticism of India’s oil imports from Russia, Jaishankar asserted, “If you don’t like it, don’t buy it,” highlighting India’s sovereign right to make energy and trade decisions aligned with its national interests and global responsibilities. He emphasized that any potential trade deal must respect India’s domestic priorities, particularly safeguarding farmer welfare and livelihoods of small producers.
Trade discussions between the two countries are ongoing, despite escalating tariffs that could reach 50%. A 25% tariff is already in effect, with another 25% scheduled from August 27. Although the U.S. recently cancelled a trade delegation visit, New Delhi maintains that dialogue continues amid disagreements.
India’s continued import of discounted Russian crude, which forms a significant part of its oil supply, has drawn U.S. ire. Jaishankar noted that the U.S. and EU also trade extensively with Russia but face no similar criticism. He further reminded observers that previous U.S. support had helped India access Russian oil to stabilise global energy markets—a point now inconsistently leveraged by Western critics. Analysts warn that steeper tariffs could slow India’s growth and affect its ambitions as a global manufacturing hub.