WASHINGTON– U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said India’s continued purchase of discounted Russian oil remains a “point of irritation” in its otherwise strategic relationship with the United States.
Rubio’s comments came a day after President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff and an additional penalty on Indian imports, citing India’s trade ties with Russia and persistent trade barriers.
“India is an ally. It’s a strategic partner,” Rubio told Fox Radio. “But like anything in foreign policy, you’re not going to align 100% of the time.”
Rubio acknowledged India’s growing energy demands, saying, “India has huge energy needs… and it buys from Russia because sanctioned Russian oil is cheaper, often sold below global prices. Unfortunately, that does help sustain Russia’s war effort, and that’s certainly a point of irritation in our relationship.”
On Thursday, Trump used his Truth Social platform to announce the new tariffs. “India will therefore be paying a tariff of 25%, plus a penalty… starting on August 1,” he wrote. “ALL THINGS NOT GOOD! THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. MAGA!”
Trump criticized India’s trade policies, calling them among the most restrictive globally. “While India is our friend, we’ve done relatively little business with them over the years because their tariffs are far too high,” he said.
He also pointed to India’s long-standing military and energy ties with Russia: “India has always bought the majority of its military supplies from Russia and is one of the largest buyers of Russian energy, along with China, at a time when everyone wants Russia to stop the killing in Ukraine.” (Source: IANS)
