Republican leader and former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley has openly criticized Donald Trump’s threat to sharply increase tariffs on Indian goods. She warned that such a move could damage the strong partnership between the United States and India.
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Haley wrote, “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."
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.
— Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) August 5, 2025
She pointed out that the Biden administration has been more lenient with China, even though it buys more oil from US rivals than India does. Haley urged, “Don’t give China a pass and burn a relationship with a strong ally like India."
Trump Claims India Profits from Russian Oil
Trump recently warned that he would “very substantially” raise tariffs on Indian goods within 24 hours. He blames India for continuing to buy oil from Russia despite the Ukraine war.
Speaking to CNBC, Trump said, “We do little business with India, and they do a lot of business with us.” He also accused India, in a post on his Truth Social platform, of purchasing “massive amounts of Russian oil” and reselling it on the global market for profit.
India Strongly Defends Its Oil Policy
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a firm response. It said Trump’s remarks were “politically motivated” and “unjustified.” The ministry explained that India increased Russian oil imports after Western suppliers diverted their shipments to Europe due to the Ukraine war.
The MEA added, “The United States at that time actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening global energy markets’ stability."
It also highlighted that the US and European nations continue to do business with Russia. The US still buys uranium for its nuclear power plants, palladium for electric cars, and various fertilizers and industrial chemicals from Russia.
In a clear message, the MEA stated, “Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.”