Trump threatens India with higher tariffs for buying oil from Russia

US President Donald Trump on Monday threatened India with higher tariffs for buying oil from Russia, to which India responded late at night by directly naming the US.

Trump had said on Truth Social, "India does not care how many people are being killed in Ukraine due to Russian attacks. That is why I am going to increase tariffs on India." In response, India called Trump's threat unreasonable and irrational.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs said that the US itself imports uranium hexafluoride from Russia for its nuclear industry, palladium for the electric vehicle industry, fertilizers and chemicals. The European Union is also involved in imports from Russia.

India also said that it will take all necessary steps for its national interest and economic security, like any major economy. Russia on Tuesday supported India, saying that New Delhi is free to choose its trade partners.