After the United States targeted India’s oil imports from Russia and imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff on top of the previously levied 25 per cent duty, India said it will take all necessary actions to protect its national interests.
“We have already made clear our position on these issues,” said MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, pointing out that Indian imports are based on market factors and are decided to ensure that the energy requirements of 1.4 billion people are met.
Calling the US move extremely unfortunate, India said it is being targeted for “actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest.”
“We reiterate that these actions are unfair, unjustified and unreasonable,” Jaiswal added in his response to the US tariffs.
With the latest executive order that will come into force on August 27, the total tariff on Indian imports into the US has touched 50 per cent. The previous 25 per cent tariff came into effect on August 1.
"I find that the Government of India is currently directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil," the executive order signed by Trump read. "Accordingly, and as consistent with applicable law, articles of India imported into the customs territory of the United States shall be subject to an additional ad valorem rate of duty of 25 per cent."
Earlier, Trump said India does not care about the Ukrainians killed in the war by Russia, alleging that New Delhi is procuring "massive amounts" of Russian oil and selling it for "big profits". The imposition of tariffs has received strong reaction from Russia, which slammed Trump for "illegally" pressuring countries like India to cut trade ties with it.
