Daijiworld Media Network- Washington
Washington, Aug 6: In a development that has sparked diplomatic debate, US President Donald Trump has claimed ignorance over America’s ongoing trade in uranium and fertilisers with Russia, even as he threatens to impose steep tariffs on India over its continued purchase of Russian crude oil.
Addressing a press conference at the White House, which was originally called to discuss the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Trump responded to a question about India's claim that the US itself was conducting trade with Moscow while criticising New Delhi for doing the same. “I don't know anything about it. I have to check it out,” he said.
Despite the West's strong stance against Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the United States has imported over $24.5 billion worth of Russian goods since January 2022. This includes $1.27 billion worth of fertilisers, $624 million worth of enriched uranium and plutonium, and $878 million in palladium imports in 2024 alone.
Trump also signalled a hike in tariffs on countries continuing energy trade with Russia. “I never said a percentage, but we'll be doing quite a bit of that. We’ll see what happens over the next fairly short period of time… We have a meeting with Russia tomorrow,” he added.
The remarks drew sharp criticism from India, which called out the “Western double standards” and defended its energy deals as part of national interest. India has maintained that global pressure should be applied uniformly and not selectively.
Meanwhile, Nikki Haley, former US Ambassador to the UN and a fellow Republican, publicly questioned Trump’s approach. In a post on X, she said, “India should not be buying oil from Russia. But China, an adversary and the number one buyer of Russian and Iranian oil, got a 90-day tariff pause. Don’t give China a pass and burn a relationship with a strong ally like India.”
Trump’s fresh comments also included a warning that tariffs on Indian goods — currently at 25% — could be increased “very substantially” within 24 hours in response to New Delhi’s energy dealings with Moscow. “They’re fueling the war machine, and if they’re going to do that, then I’m not going to be happy,” he said in an interview with CNBC.
While no specific figures were released on the proposed new tariff rates, trade analysts say such a move could significantly strain ties between Washington and New Delhi at a time when global alliances are being closely watched.
As India continues to defend its energy policy and strategic autonomy, the situation has triggered wider discussions on the credibility of sanctions, consistency in foreign policy, and the future of US-India relations under Trump’s leadership.