External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the recent imposition of 50% tariffs on India by the Trump administration, stating that the issue of India’s Russian oil purchases was never discussed with the U.S. government before the public announcement.
Speaking at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum 2025, Jaishankar noted that President Trump’s approach to foreign policy is highly public and often unconventional. He highlighted that Trump’s use of tariffs for both trade and non-trade matters is a new development, and that announcements are frequently made publicly before being communicated to the concerned country.
Jaishankar addressed three key issues related to the new tariffs:
- Trade Negotiations: He stated that trade negotiations between India and the U.S. are ongoing. He noted that India has certain “red lines” related to the interests of its farmers and small producers.
- Russian Oil: Jaishankar argued that the U.S.’s criticism of India’s oil purchases is unfair. He pointed out that the same arguments are not being applied to China, the largest oil importer, or the European Union, the largest energy importer. He also mentioned that the Biden administration had been aware of India’s oil trade with Russia through “explicit conversations” that led to a price cap.
- Mediation: He reiterated India’s long-standing policy of not accepting any external mediation, particularly in its relationship with Pakistan.
