India has drawn a bold line in the sand: India will continue to buy Russian oil despite a steep tariff hike imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, speaking in an interview with News18, made clear that New Delhi will not bow to Washington’s trade penalties. She shared the video on social media, underscoring India’s determination to keep energy decisions tied to national interest, not foreign pressure.
“Whether it is Russian oil or anything else, it’s our decision to buy from the place that suits our needs,” Sitharaman said. “Rates, logistics, foreign exchange—everything matters. Especially with energy, we must do what benefits us most.”
Tariffs as Punishment
Trump’s move in late August raised tariffs on Indian goods to 50%, citing India’s continued oil trade with Russia. He described it as a penalty for defiance, rooted in a national emergency first declared by President Joe Biden in 2021 and later expanded after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The higher tariffs landed like a hammer on India’s trade sector, but New Delhi appears resolute.
