Washington , 6 August (H.S.): Amid U.S. tariff threats over India's Russian oil imports, President Trump claimed ignorance about U.S. uranium and fertilizer trade with Moscow, a point India used to defend its imports. Trump hinted at increasing duties on countries maintaining trade ties with Russia but did not specify rates. He stated, I don't know anything about it. I have to check it out, responding to claims of unfair targeting. Despite a full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia three years ago, the U.S. still imports billions in Russian goods, including $24.51 billion since January 2022, with 2024 imports alone consisting of $1.27 billion in fertilizers and $624 million in uranium. Trump mentioned upcoming tariff increases on Russian energy imports, saying he hadn't specified percentages, but change was imminent.

India criticized the perceived double standards from the West, particularly after Trump's renewed threats over oil purchases. Former Ambassador Nikki Haley criticized Trump for potentially damaging relations with India while allowing China—identified as a U.S. adversary—to continue buying Russian oil with a tariff pause. Trump indicated plans to significantly raise tariffs on Indian imports due to ongoing oil purchases, stating that India's actions fueled the war machine and identified tariff rates as a primary contention.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar