Tensions spike between Washington and New Delhi as Trump administration slaps extra 50% duties on Indian exports starting Wednesday. India vows to keep buying Russian oil despite pressure calling move provocative and unfair.
US rolls out second-phase tariffs on Indian products entering American markets, hitting hard over New Delhi’s continued oil and arms purchases from Russia.
Vice President JD Vance explains aim targets forcing economic squeeze on Moscow to end Ukraine war.
Trump charges India aids Russia’s war funding through oil buys. New Delhi flatly denies claim.
Foreign ministry in India blasts decision as inflammatory and unreasonable. Officials insist Russian oil imports stay unchanged under US push.
Indian ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, stresses buying from best deals protects interests of 1.4 billion citizens. Last year, Russia supplied 35-40% of India’s crude oil needs, jumping from just 3% back in 2021.
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Foreign Minister S Jaishankar points out China tops Russian oil buyers yet faces no similar US penalties. Washington skips second-phase duties on European Union too even as they trade with Moscow.
