Jaishankar Slams US Tariff Tactic, Calls for Fair and Multipolar Global Order.
Amid renewed US pressure through punitive tariffs, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday called for a fair and multipolar global order, not one “dominated by a few.” His remarks, delivered at the BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival in New Delhi, came hours after Donald Trump threatened to hike tariffs on India over its continued trade ties with Russia.
“We live in complicated and uncertain times,” Jaishankar said. “Our collective desire is to see a fair and representative global order, not one dominated by a few… For nations like us, traditions are truly a great source of strength.”
Trump Escalates Tariff Threat Over Russian Oil
Trump, in a post on Truth Social, accused India of buying “massive amounts” of discounted Russian oil and reselling it for profit. As a result, he said, the US would “substantially raise” tariffs on Indian imports. The move is seen as part of Trump’s broader strategy of using tariffs as leverage to align global trade behavior with US interests.
India Hits Back at ‘Unjustified’ Measures
India swiftly responded to the tariff threat, calling the move “unjustified and unreasonable.” The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reiterated that India’s Russian oil imports are driven by global market compulsions, not politics.
“India’s imports are necessary to ensure affordable energy access for its citizens. Unlike others, we are acting out of economic necessity, not convenience,” the MEA said, highlighting the ongoing Western trade with Russia — including US imports of Russian uranium and EU’s €67.5 billion worth of goods trade with Moscow in 2024.
India affirmed it would “take all necessary steps” to safeguard its national interest and economic security.
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