Jaishankar Questions US Tariffs: EAM Defends Russian Oil Imports in Moscow

MOSCOW, Russia – In a powerful display of India's diplomatic assertiveness, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, speaking from Moscow, has publicly questioned the United States' decision to impose tariffs on India over its purchase of Russian oil. During a joint press conference with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, Minister Jaishankar stated that Washington's logic was "perplexing," highlighting the perceived double standards in U.S. foreign policy.

The remarks, coming as the U.S. prepares to levy a crippling 50% tariff on Indian goods, represent the most direct and forceful public pushback from New Delhi on the matter to date. Jaishankar's visit to Moscow, a deliberate signal of India's commitment to its long-standing partnership with Russia, served as the ideal platform for this clear-cut statement of India's independent foreign policy.

The "Perplexing" Logic

Minister Jaishankar's argument was both strategic and factual. He pointed out that while India is being targeted with tariffs, it is not the largest buyer of Russian oil. He noted that China and the European Union import far greater volumes of Russian energy, yet they have been spared from similar punitive measures.

He further underscored the hypocrisy by stating that the U.S. itself has, in previous years, encouraged India to buy from diverse sources, including Russia, to stabilize global energy markets. "We are a country where the Americans have said for the last few years that we should do everything to stabilise the world energy market, including buying oil from Russia," Jaishankar said, adding that India's imports of U.S. oil have also increased. "So honestly, we are very perplexed at the logic of the argument," he concluded.

National Interest is Supreme

Jaishankar's defense of India's energy policy is rooted in the principle of strategic autonomy. He argued that India’s purchase of discounted Russian oil is a necessity for its developing economy, which needs to secure the best possible deal for its citizens and combat inflation. The visit to Moscow reaffirms India’s commitment to its multi-aligned foreign policy, which dictates that its national interests will remain supreme, regardless of pressure from any single superpower.

The meeting with Russian officials, which also included a call on President Vladimir Putin, focused on strengthening bilateral trade, addressing non-tariff barriers, and preparing for an upcoming annual summit. The visit served as a clear signal that India will continue to nurture its key partnerships, refusing to be drawn into a new Cold War dynamic orchestrated by external pressures.