‘World Can’t Be Run by a Few’: Jaishankar Pushes Back on Trump’s Trade Pressure

Jaishankar Pushes Back Against Trump Tariffs, Calls for Multipolar World Not Run by ‘A Few’

As Donald Trump escalated his trade offensive against India, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday called for a “fair and representative” global order, pushing back against unilateralism and the domination of global rules by a handful of countries. Speaking at the BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival in New Delhi, Jaishankar said, “We live in complicated and uncertain times. Our collective desire is to see a fair and representative global order — not one dominated by a few.”

His remarks came shortly after Trump vowed to sharply increase tariffs on Indian imports, accusing India of profiting from discounted Russian oil amid the Ukraine conflict.

Trump’s Trade Threats Over Russian Oil

In a post on Truth Social, Trump accused India of buying “massive amounts” of oil from Russia and reselling it on the global market. “Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA,” he declared. The former US president has intensified his tariff threats as part of a broader effort to bring global trade into alignment with what he calls “America-first” policies — a stance that has triggered tensions with multiple countries.

India Rejects Pressure, Slams Western Hypocrisy

India responded firmly to Trump’s warning, calling the proposed tariffs “unjustified and unreasonable.” The Ministry of External Affairs pointed out that Western nations — including the US and EU — continue to import energy and critical materials from Russia, even as they publicly condemn Moscow.

“India’s energy imports are a necessity driven by global market volatility, not political alignment,” the MEA said, underscoring that these purchases are vital to ensure affordable fuel for Indian consumers. The ministry also highlighted that the European Union traded goods worth €67.5 billion and services worth €17.2 billion with Russia in 2024 — far more than India’s total trade volume with Moscow. The US, meanwhile, continues to import Russian uranium, palladium, and fertilisers.

“India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security,” the MEA added.