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India hits back as US imposes 50% tariff over Russian oil trade, but spares EU and China

India has sharply criticized the US for imposing a 50% tariff on its imports over Russian oil trade, accusing Washington of double standards while sparing EU and China.

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The United States has drawn sharp criticism from India after President Donald Trump signed an executive order slapping a steep 50 per cent tariff on Indian imports, citing India’s continued oil trade with Russia. This move has triggered a diplomatic pushback from New Delhi, which termed the decision as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.”

With this order, India now faces the highest import tariff imposed by the US globally, tied only with Brazil. Other countries facing elevated tariffs include Switzerland (39%), Canada and Iraq (35%), and China (30%).

India argued that the US decision reflects double standards, especially when several European nations and China continue to import Russian energy without facing similar penalties.

India defends its energy security needs

Responding to the move, India asserted that its imports from Russia are determined by market dynamics and national energy security requirements for its 1.4 billion citizens. The Indian government stated that many other countries, including US allies, continue similar transactions, yet India is being selectively targeted.

“It is therefore extremely unfortunate that the US should choose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest,” India said in its official statement.

India also warned that it would take all necessary steps to protect its national interests and trade rights.

China and EU escape similar scrutiny

Observers have pointed out that while India is being punished, China’s growing Russian oil imports remain untouched. In 2024, China sourced 21.5% of its crude oil from Russia—up significantly from the previous years—largely aided by smaller, independent refiners. Moreover, Russian LNG imports by China hit 8.3 million metric tonnes last year.

The European Union, despite political rhetoric against Moscow, also continues substantial trade ties with Russia. Though total EU-Russia trade volume fell from €257.5 billion in 2021 to €67.5 billion in 2024, key energy imports persisted. Russian LNG imports to the EU rose 9% in 2024, and mineral fuels remain the EU’s top Russian import category.

A Finnish think tank estimated that since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, EU nations paid Moscow over $105 billion for gas, covering about 75% of Russia’s military expenditure in 2024.

Even Belgium increased its LNG imports from Russia by 12% in June, highlighting the ongoing energy dependence of the West on Moscow.

Trade imbalance and geopolitics

India is the largest export market for the US, purchasing $87 billion worth of goods in 2024. In contrast, India imported $41 billion from the US, creating a trade surplus of $46 billion in New Delhi’s favour. President Trump recently accused India of “undermining Western efforts” to pressure Russia and warned of tariff hikes, which have now materialized.

Meanwhile, despite its hardline rhetoric, the US itself maintained $5.2 billion in bilateral trade with Russia in 2024—mostly in chemicals—albeit much lower than the $36 billion traded in 2021.

Moscow backed India’s position, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov saying, “Sovereign countries have the right to choose their own trade partners.”

India News

PM Modi marks Operation Sindoor anniversary, calls it India’s firm stand against terrorism

PM Modi said Operation Sindoor showcased India’s firm response against terrorism while paying tribute to the armed forces on the operation’s first anniversary.

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PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s firm response against terrorism and highlighted the country’s commitment to national security.

Marking one year of the operation, the Prime Minister praised the courage, precision and professionalism of the Indian armed forces. He said the military action was carried out in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that had claimed the lives of 26 civilians in 2025.

Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, as a calibrated tri-services operation targeting terror infrastructure linked to cross-border terrorism. Reports said the operation showcased coordinated action by the armed forces and was seen as a major counter-terror response by India.

On the anniversary of the operation, PM Modi also changed the display pictures across his social media platforms, including X, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. The image carried the text “Operation Sindoor” along with the Indian tricolour design.

The Indian Air Force also shared visuals and messages recalling the operation and highlighting India’s military response. A video released by the force described the operation as a strong message against terrorism and referred to the precision strikes carried out during the mission.

Operation Sindoor was launched following the Pahalgam terror attack, after which India carried out strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, according to official statements and reports published at the time.

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Vijay meets Tamil Nadu Governor again as TVK pushes to prove majority

TVK chief Vijay held another meeting with Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar as the party intensified efforts to secure majority support after emerging as the single-largest party in the Assembly elections.

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Actor vijay

Actor-turned-politician Vijay met Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar again on Thursday as his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), continued efforts to prove it has enough support to form the next government in the state.

TVK emerged as the single-largest party in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly after winning 108 seats, but it remains short of the majority mark of 118.

The Congress has extended support to TVK, adding five MLAs to Vijay’s side. However, the alliance still needs additional backing from other parties or independents to comfortably cross the halfway mark.

According to reports, the Governor has not yet been fully convinced that TVK currently has the required numbers to form a stable government. This has delayed clarity over the swearing-in ceremony and the formal invitation to form the government.

Political activity intensified after reports emerged that some AIADMK legislators were moved to a resort in Puducherry amid speculation over possible support to TVK. AIADMK leaders, however, publicly denied any internal crisis.

TVK sources have expressed confidence that the party will be able to demonstrate majority support during discussions with the Governor.

The Tamil Nadu election results marked a major political shift in the state, with TVK breaking the long-standing dominance of the DMK and AIADMK in its first Assembly election contest.

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PM Modi changes social media profile pictures to mark Operation Sindoor anniversary

PM Modi changed his social media profile pictures to commemorate one year of Operation Sindoor, with several NDA leaders following the move.

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PM Modi speech

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday updated the display pictures of his social media accounts to mark the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor. The new image was seen across his profiles on X, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp channels.

The updated profile picture carries the text “Operation Sindoor” on a black background along with elements of the Indian tricolour. One of the letters in the word “Sindoor” has been stylised using vermilion, commonly associated with married Hindu women.

Operation Sindoor was launched a year ago by Indian defence forces and the Border Security Force along the western border. The anniversary was also marked by several Union ministers and NDA leaders, who changed their social media profile pictures in a similar manner.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and other senior leaders were among those who adopted the commemorative display image on social media platforms, according to reports.

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