External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has come down strongly on the United States over the new tariff measures targeting Indian goods, calling the move “unjustified” and wrongly framed as an “oil issue” tied to India’s trade with Russia.
Speaking on the matter, Jaishankar pointed out that India has been unfairly singled out, while several other countries continue to purchase Russian oil without facing similar consequences. He argued that the debate over energy imports has been used selectively and stressed that India will not allow its choices to be dictated by external pressures.
Strategic Autonomy Comes First
The minister reiterated that India’s foreign policy is shaped by strategic autonomy and national interest. Decisions on trade, including energy purchases, will be made based on what benefits India’s economy and its people. On the issue of Russian oil, he gave a blunt response to critics: “If you don’t like it, don’t buy it.”
Negotiations Still Ongoing
Despite the tariff dispute, Jaishankar clarified that trade talks between India and the US are still underway. He ruled out any breakdown in dialogue, but underlined that India will continue to defend its “red lines.” Protecting the interests of Indian farmers and small producers, he said, remains non-negotiable.
Tariffs Set to Rise
At present, US tariffs on Indian exports stand at 25 percent. A second round of hikes is scheduled to take effect on August 27, which will double the duty to 50 percent. This escalation is expected to add further strain to trade ties, even as both sides continue discussions in search of common ground.
Balancing Trade and Sovereignty
Jaishankar’s comments highlight India’s firm stance: while the country remains open to cooperation with the US, it will not compromise on sovereignty or core economic priorities. For New Delhi, the message is clear—global partnerships are welcome, but not at the cost of national interest.
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