Jaishankar Reaffirms India’s Energy Sovereignty, Responds to U.S. Tariffs Amid Trade Tensions
External Affairs Minister underlines India's prerogative in energy procurement and trade while addressing burgeoning U.S. tariffs tied to Russian oil imports.
External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar stated that India remains committed to its energy security decisions as matters of sovereign concern, asserting: “If you don’t like it, don’t buy it.” The remark was made in response to criticism and potential secondary sanctions from the United States concerning India’s ongoing imports of Russian crude oil.
Jaishankar confirmed that trade negotiations between India and the United States are continuing, even as the U.S. prepares to double tariffs on Indian exports from 25 percent to 50 percent, with the additional duties slated to take effect on August 27, 2025.
He emphasized that India has defined “red lines” in the talks, particularly around safeguarding the interests of farmers and small producers, and reaffirmed that New Delhi will pursue policies aligned with its national interest.
Addressing perceived double standards, Jaishankar questioned the narrower focus on India’s energy ties with Russia, noting that Western partners—including Europe and the United States—continue their own transactions with Russia.
He emphasized that India is not the largest buyer of Russian oil or gas and invoked Europe’s far greater volumes to underscore the point.
During a visit to Moscow, Jaishankar drew attention to the mounting trade deficit with Russia—estimated at US $58.9 billion—largely driven by oil purchases.
He indicated that India was exploring measures to reduce this imbalance while seeking to broaden the bilateral trade relationship.
Taken together, Jaishankar’s remarks underscore India’s intent to maintain strategic autonomy in energy and economic policymaking, even as the United States applies pressure through significant trade retaliation tied to geopolitical considerations surrounding Russia.
Jaishankar confirmed that trade negotiations between India and the United States are continuing, even as the U.S. prepares to double tariffs on Indian exports from 25 percent to 50 percent, with the additional duties slated to take effect on August 27, 2025.
He emphasized that India has defined “red lines” in the talks, particularly around safeguarding the interests of farmers and small producers, and reaffirmed that New Delhi will pursue policies aligned with its national interest.
Addressing perceived double standards, Jaishankar questioned the narrower focus on India’s energy ties with Russia, noting that Western partners—including Europe and the United States—continue their own transactions with Russia.
He emphasized that India is not the largest buyer of Russian oil or gas and invoked Europe’s far greater volumes to underscore the point.
During a visit to Moscow, Jaishankar drew attention to the mounting trade deficit with Russia—estimated at US $58.9 billion—largely driven by oil purchases.
He indicated that India was exploring measures to reduce this imbalance while seeking to broaden the bilateral trade relationship.
Taken together, Jaishankar’s remarks underscore India’s intent to maintain strategic autonomy in energy and economic policymaking, even as the United States applies pressure through significant trade retaliation tied to geopolitical considerations surrounding Russia.
