India fired back at the United States after President Trump pledged to increase tariffs on New Delhi over the country’s purchase of Russian oil. In a statement Monday, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the purchase of Russian oil is a “necessity” to “ensure predictable and affordable energy costs” and was once “encouraged”

New Delhi, India on Monday mounted a sharp counterattack on the US and the European Union for their "unjustified and unreasonable" targeting of New Delhi for its procurement of Russian crude oil. Firmly rejecting the criticism, India pointed out the continuing trade relations the US and the European Union have with Russia.

India has sharply criticised the United States and the European Union, saying it is being unfairly singled out by them over its Russian oil purchases when they both trade extensively with Moscow despite the war in Ukraine.

India has accused the EU and US of “indulging” in trade with Russia after Donald Trump criticised New Delhi for propping up Vladimir Putin’s war machine by buying its oil.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a strong response to the United States and European Union, defending its oil imports from Russia. The ministry called the criticism unfair and highlighted Western trade ties with Russia.