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Jaishankar warns against selective targeting of India over US tariffs on Russian oil imports amid Ukraine war
US imposed tariffs on Indian goods citing India's Russian oil purchases during Ukraine war; India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar criticized the move as selective and perplexing during Russia visit.
Why It Matters
Highlights tensions in US-India strategic partnership over energy security, sanctions enforcement, and differing approaches to Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Timeline
7 Events
Jaishankar addresses media on selective logic
August 22, 2025
Jaishankar questions US approach, notes China and EU import more Russian oil yet India is singled out; emphasizes India's diverse energy sources stabilize markets.
Jaishankar criticizes US tariffs during Russia visit
August 21, 2025
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in Russia, calls US 50% tariffs perplexing, questions selective targeting of India despite larger importers like China facing less pressure.
India condemns US tariff decision
August 2025
India strongly condemns the US 25% additional tariff as unfair and unjustified, vows to protect national interests amid energy ties with Russia.
Trump implements additional 25% tariff
August 6, 2025
US President Donald Trump implements additional 25% tariff on Indian imports, raising total to 50%, as penalty for India's Russian oil purchases.
White House executive order on tariffs
July 31, 2025
White House issues executive order implementing 25% tariff effective August 7, 2025.
US announces initial 25% tariff on Indian imports
July 30, 2025
US declares 25% tariff plus penalty on Indian goods for purchasing Russian crude oil and military equipment.
Russia invades Ukraine
February 2022
Russia's invasion of Ukraine prompts Western sanctions on Russian oil, leading India to purchase discounted Russian crude for energy needs.