India’s Ministry of External Affairs has formally responded to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent tariff threat, rejecting criticism over its continued imports of Russian oil.

In a public statement, the Indian government described the targeting as "unjustified and unreasonable," asserting that the imports are essential for ensuring affordable and predictable energy supplies.

The government noted that India began importing Russian oil after traditional suppliers redirected exports to Europe following the start of the Ukraine conflict.

It emphasized that the United States had initially encouraged such purchases to support global energy market stability.

India also pointed to continued trade between Western nations and Russia.

The European Union recorded approximately sixty-seven point five billion euros in goods trade with Russia in twenty twenty-four, along with an estimated seventeen point two billion euros in services in the previous year.

EU imports included record levels of liquefied natural gas, fertilizers, mining products, chemicals, iron and steel, and machinery.

Meanwhile, the United States continues to import uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear sector, palladium for electric vehicle production, and various chemicals and fertilizers from Russia.

India stated that its trade volume with Russia remains significantly lower than that of the EU and the U.S. It reaffirmed that, like any major economy, it would take all necessary measures to protect its national interests and economic security.

As of August twenty twenty-five, India remains one of the top importers of Russian crude, with volumes accounting for nearly forty-five percent of its oil needs.

The country imports approximately eighty-eight percent of its total crude oil consumption.

The tariff measures announced by the U.S. include a proposed twenty-five percent duty on Indian goods, tied to concerns over India’s energy and defense engagements with Russia.

Indian officials noted that other major importers of Russian oil, including China and Turkey, have not been subject to similar trade penalties.

Despite tensions, Indian officials have emphasized that bilateral relations with the United States remain stable, with ongoing collaboration on strategic and economic issues.

Negotiations also continue between India and the European Union on a comprehensive free trade agreement, expected to conclude later in the year.