US did not ask India to stop Russian oil imports until Donald Trump’s public criticism: S Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said that the United States did not ask India to stop buying Russian oil in private discussions until President Donald Trump began publicly criticising New Delhi’s energy trade.

The comments came amid diplomatic tensions between New Delhi and Washington after the Trump administration on August 6 doubled the tariffs on goods imported from India to 50% for purchasing Russian oil amid the war in Ukraine.

A 25% tariff has already come into effect, with another 25% due to be enforced from Wednesday.

Trump has repeatedly alleged that India’s imports were “fuelling the war machine”.

Speaking at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum, Jaishankar said that Trump’s criticism of India’s trade in Russian oil marked a departure from the earlier position of US officials, who in 2022 had encouraged New Delhi’s purchases to help stabilise global energy prices.

Jaishankar added: “After January [when Trump was sworn in], there were no conversations with the current administration saying: Don’t do that [buy Russian oil].”

The external affairs minister also listed three main friction points in India-US relations: trade negotiations, Russian energy purchases and American claims of mediating between India and Pakistan.

On trade, he said India would not compromise on core principles. “Where we are concerned, the red lines are primarily the interests of...

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