US draft notice links Indian tariffs to Russian oil imports

 

United States has sent a notice draft to India relating to the country’s import of Russian oil. This comes after the India’s opposition to the United States proposal of imposing a 50 percent tariff on Indian goods, stating that the tariff rate is being unfair, while assuring that the national interest will not be compromised.

The notice of draft, released Monday by the US Department of Homeland Security, followed President Donald Trump's previous declaration to double tariffs on Indian imports related to buying Russian oil.

The Biden administration claims the tariffs are part of measures to push Moscow to the negotiating table during the stalled Russia-Ukraine peace talks.

Key highlights:

• India slams US plan to impose 50 percent tariffs on Indian goods
• Modi, Jaishankar defend energy policy amid US tariff threat
• India warns US tariffs could strain trade, hit global stability

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, however, insisted India would not give in to outside pressure. "For me, the interests of farmers, cattle rearers, and small-scale industries are top priority. The pressure on us will grow, but we will take all that on our shoulders," Modi stated at a civic function in Ahmedabad on Monday. He further mentioned that India is bolstered by "Chakradhaari Lord Krishna and Charkhadhari Mahatma Gandhi."

Also Read: India & US Backchannel Talks Persist Amid Tariff Dispute

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also justified India's energy decisions, emphasizing that New Delhi follows strategic autonomy in its policies. "This is being unfairly portrayed as an oil conflict. The same objection against India buying Russian energy has not been leveled against major importers, like China and European countries." he stated.

India argues that the so-called secondary tariffs are discriminatory and can undermine trade relations at a moment when global economic stability is already compromised.