Even though India and the US maintain strategic connections, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that India’s ongoing purchases of Russian oil continue to be a “point of irritation” in their relationship.
His comments were made the day after US President Donald Trump, citing India’s trade relations with Russia and high trade barriers, slapped a 25% tariff and an extra penalty on Indian goods.
India is an ally, you see. This partner is strategic. Rubio told Fox Radio that, like anything else in foreign policy, you won’t always agree on everything.
“Like all nations, India has enormous energy needs, including the capacity to purchase gas, coal, and oil as well as other necessities to run its economy. Additionally, it purchases it from Russia since Russian oil is cheap and subject to sanctions, which forces them to frequently sell it below the going rate. Yes. Additionally, regrettably, that is supporting the Russian military effort. Therefore, it is undoubtedly a source of annoyance in our relationship with India,” he continued.
Rubio’s comments come after President Trump announced tariffs on Thursday through his social media account, Truth Social.
Trump declared that beginning Friday, August 1, the US would levy a 25% duty on Indian goods along with an additional penalty.
“Everything is bad! Therefore, beginning in August, India will be paying a 25% tariff in addition to a penalty for the aforementioned. I appreciate you taking the time to read this. “MAGA!” Trump made a post.
Additionally, he claimed that India’s tariffs are among the highest in the world and accused the country of upholding “the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary trade barriers” in the world.
“Remember, while India is our friend, we have, over the years, done relatively little business with them because their tariffs are far too high,” Trump stated.
“These things are bad at a time when everyone wants Russia to cease killing people in Ukraine. Along with China, India is one of the biggest consumers of Russian energy and has historically purchased the majority of its military equipment from Russia,” he continued.
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