SRINAGAR: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday criticised the United States for imposing what he termed “unjustified and unreasonable” tariffs on Indian goods, after Washington raised duties to over 50 percent, reportedly in response to India’s oil purchases from Russia.
Speaking at The Economic Times World Leaders Forum 2025, as per Economic Times report Jaishankar said India’s priority was protecting its farmers and small producers. “Our red lines are the interests of our farmers and small producers. That is not something we can compromise,” he said.
He rejected the claim that the tariffs were solely linked to oil imports, pointing to double standards. “The same arguments used against India have not been applied to China, the world’s largest oil importer, or European nations, the largest LNG importers,” he noted. He added that Europe’s overall trade with Russia far exceeds India’s.
Defending India’s position, Jaishankar said, “Making decisions in our national interest is entirely within our rights. That, to me, is the essence of strategic autonomy,” reports Indian Express
Despite tensions, he stressed that talks with Washington remain ongoing. “We are two major nations. The lines of communication remain open. Let’s see how it unfolds,” he said.
Asked about the new US ambassador’s appointment, Jaishankar declined to comment, saying it was a matter for the American government.
The remarks came after his visit to Russia earlier this week, where he met President Vladimir Putin, Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. He also co-chaired the 26th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission, with discussions covering terrorism, the Ukraine conflict, and developments in West Asia and Afghanistan.
