The United States President Donald Trump suggested to Friday (local time) that India could stop buying Russian oil, if confirmed, calling it a “a good step”, while India has defended its sovereign right to conduct energy policy on the basis of national interest. Earlier on Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs (Mea) clarified that India’s energy purchase is directed by market dynamics and national interests, saying that the government is unaware of any specific developments about Indian oil companies to prevent Russian imports.
Responding to ANI, US President Trump commented on whether he had a number for punishment on India and if he was going to talk with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The US President said, “I think India is no longer going to buy oil from Russia. This is what I do not know whether it is right or not. It’s a good step. We will see what happens …”, US President Donald Trump said on a question of ANI, if he is at number one for punishment and if he is going to speak with PM Modi. ,
On Friday, during the weekly media briefing, Mea spokesperson Randhir Jiswal asked about media reports that some Indian oil companies had stopped taking oil from Russia, saying that India had clarified its view on the issue.
“You are aware of our comprehensive approach to energy sourcing requirements, that we see what is available in the market and prevalent in the global situation. We don’t know about any nuances,” he said.
Jaiswal’s comments came after a series of statements from the US, including President Donald Trump and State Secretary Maro Rubio, criticizing India for continuing concessional Russian oil import despite Western sanctions on Ukraine War.
In front of India-US relations, New Delhi on Friday expressed confidence that its relationship with the United States would continue to move forward and it focuses on the silent agenda to be committed to both countries.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Trump announced to impose 25 percent tariffs on Indian goods and impose a fine for import of Russian oil, even an interim Indo-American trade expectations that help otherwise help to avoid high tariffs.
After announcing 25 percent tariffs and punishment to buy Russian oil, US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday (local time) that Washington was continuing business talks with New Delhi. He emphasized that India is one of the countries imposing high tariffs on the United States.
In response to ANI, if the US is open to interact with India on the tariff’s front, Trump said, “We are talking to them now. We will see what happens. Again, India was the highest or only the highest tariff nation in the world, the highest, 100 points, 150 points or percentage. So India was the highest in the world.
He emphasized the relations between Indo-US, called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a “friend” keeping in mind the American trade deficit with India. He further said that if the Indo-American deal reaches a certain tariff, it “does not matter much”.
“As you know, Prime Minister Modi is a friend of mine, but he does not do much business with us in terms of business. They sell a lot for us, but we don’t buy them. You know why? Because the tariff is so much. One of the most tariffs in the world.
Meanwhile, in India, the government on Thursday informed Parliament that US President Donald Trump has announced a mutual tariff on Indian goods. It is currently investigating the impact of these recent events and will take all necessary steps to protect the national interest. (AI)