Jaishankar Addresses US-India Relations Amid Tensions Over Russian Oil Purchases

Diplomatic Strains Between India and the US

On Saturday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that the United States did not request India to cease its purchases of Russian oil during private discussions until President Donald Trump began publicly criticizing India's energy dealings.

These remarks were made in the context of rising diplomatic tensions between New Delhi and Washington, particularly after the Trump administration imposed a 50% tariff on goods imported from India on August 6 due to its Russian oil purchases amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

A 25% tariff is already in effect, with an additional 25% set to be implemented shortly.

Trump has consistently accused India of contributing to the conflict through its imports.

During his address at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum, Jaishankar noted that Trump's criticism represented a shift from the previous stance of US officials, who had encouraged India's oil purchases in 2022 to help stabilize global energy markets.

Jaishankar remarked, “After January [when Trump took office], there were no discussions with the current administration advising against buying Russian oil.”

He identified three key areas of friction in India-US relations: trade negotiations, Russian energy imports, and US claims of mediating between India and Pakistan.

Regarding trade, he emphasized that India would not compromise on its fundamental interests, particularly those of farmers and small producers.

Jaishankar also pointed out the inconsistency in US actions, highlighting that while India is criticized, China and the European Union are not subjected to the same scrutiny. He stated, “When people claim we are funding the war, it’s worth noting that Russia-EU trade is larger than India-Russia trade.”

On the topic of US mediation in India-Pakistan relations, Jaishankar affirmed, “For over 50 years, there has been a national consensus in India against accepting mediation in our dealings with Pakistan.”

While he acknowledged that American leaders reached out to India following Operation Sindoor, he clarified that this should not be interpreted as mediation.

Relations between New Delhi and Islamabad had intensified on May 7 when the Indian military conducted strikes, known as Operation Sindoor, targeting what it described as terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

This operation was a response to a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22, which resulted in 26 fatalities.

Trump has claimed that he played a role in helping India and Pakistan ease their tensions.

He has also asserted that he pressured both nations into agreeing to a ceasefire by threatening to halt trade with them. However, New Delhi has dismissed these claims.