India-US Tariff War: If you don't like it then don't buy it... Jaishankar's direct message to Trump on trade

India-US Tariff War: Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar strongly defended India's energy ties with Russia, saying that the purchase of Russian oil is not only important for India's energy security, but it also contributes to stabilizing global markets. Emphasizing India's independent policy, he said that India will continue to take decisions based on its national interests, even if there is a situation of trade tension with the US.

Jaishankar's strong reply to America's allegations

Jaishankar criticized the 50% tariff imposed by the US on buying oil from Russia, including a 25% penalty tariff. He said, "It is ridiculous that the pro-trade US administration is accusing others of doing business. If you have a problem buying oil or refined products from India, don't buy. No one is forcing you. Europe buys, America buys. If you don't like it, don't buy." Prices stabilized by oil purchase

Jaishankar, referring to the surge in global oil prices in 2022, said that at that time India's purchase of oil from Russia was supported globally as it brought stability to the markets. He said, "When oil prices were rising, there was concern all over the world. It was then said that India should be allowed to buy oil from Russia as it would stabilize prices. Our purchase is also aimed at calming the market. It is in both national and global interests."

Growing bilateral relations with Russia

Jaishankar, who visited Russia from 19 to 21 August 2025, met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow. During this, he co-chaired the 26th session of the India-Russia International Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC). Jaishankar said, "We want to increase trade with Russia. During my visit, we discussed further strengthening bilateral relations. Our stand on the Russia-Ukraine conflict is clear - we want a solution to it as soon as possible."

Situation clear on US-India trade talks

On the ongoing trade talks with the US, Jaishankar said that India's stand is firm. He said, "There are many red lines in the talks, about which we have to be clear. We are committed to protecting the interests of our farmers and small businesses." Describing India's relations with the US and China as balanced, he said that there have been both cooperation and disputes with both the countries, but overall the relations are positive.

Jaishankar also mentioned that during the Obama administration, the US had put forward the idea of ​​​​G2 framework with China, but there was a change in US foreign policy during Trump's tenure. He said, "There are some issues in the relationship, but it is not that there were never issues before. Other aspects of the relationship are strong."

#WATCH | Delhi: At The Economic Times World Leaders Forum 2025, EAM Dr S Jaishankar says, "It's funny to have people who work for a pro-business American administration accusing other people of doing business. If you have a problem buying oil or refined products from India, don't… pic.twitter.com/rXW9kCcVuv

— ANI (@ANI) August 23, 2025