‘I Don’t Know Anything’: Trump Left Scrambling as India Hits Back Over Russia Trade Criticism.
In a rare diplomatic rebuke, India has called out the United States for hypocrisy over Russian trade ties, leaving former US President Donald Trump visibly unsettled when questioned on the matter during a media interaction on Tuesday (local time).
While speaking to reporters, Trump was asked by news agency ANI about India’s strong pushback to his threat of hiking tariffs over New Delhi’s continued energy imports from Russia. The reporter referenced India’s accusation that the US itself continues to import Russian uranium and fertilizers while criticising others for similar actions.
Caught off guard, Trump responded:
“I don’t know anything about it. I have to check… but we’ll get back to you on this.”
Trump’s Tariff Threat Backfires
The moment followed a social media outburst from Trump a day earlier, in which he accused India of profiteering from the Ukraine war by buying cheap Russian oil and reselling it. He warned that, if re-elected, he would “substantially” raise tariffs on Indian goods — beyond the 25% already imposed during his presidency.
“India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian oil, they are then… selling it on the open market for big profits. They don’t care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian war machine,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
India Hits Back: ‘Double Standards’
India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded swiftly and strongly, accusing Washington and its European allies of applying double standards when it comes to dealing with Moscow.
“India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security,” the MEA said, noting that the US continues to import uranium hexafluoride — used in its nuclear sector — as well as Russian chemical fertilizers.
The statement also pointed to robust trade figures between Russia and the European Union. In 2023, the EU reportedly traded goods worth €67.5 billion and services worth €17.2 billion with Moscow — far more than India’s trade volume with Russia.
Strained Optics Ahead of Elections
The incident underscores growing tensions in India-US relations, particularly as both countries gear up for major elections in 2024. While the US has often pressured New Delhi to distance itself from Moscow over the Ukraine conflict, India has consistently defended its independent foreign policy and strategic autonomy.
Trump’s attempt to strong-arm India over its Russia ties may play well with his domestic base, but New Delhi’s sharp rebuttal — and Trump’s visibly unprepared reaction — highlight the risks of oversimplifying complex geopolitical realities.
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