India hit back at the United States over its oil trade with Russia after U.S. President Donald Trump linked it to a threat to impose new tariffs.
India has hit back at the United States in defense of its oil purchases from Russia after President Donald Trump issued a new threat of tariffs tied to the trade.
The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside of office hours.Why It Matters
The increasing friction between India and the United States is in part an indication of the failure to reach a trade deal between the Trump administration and the world’s most populous country and fastest growing top economy. Increasingly friendly U.S. relations with Indian rival Pakistan have been another irritant in the relationship.
But it also highlights a souring in a relationship that is key for global security, with India seen as a potential bulwark against China for the United States while pursuing a foreign policy that had traditionally been strongly independent.What To Know
Trump issued a new threat of tariffs on India on Monday, linking it to India’s purchases of Russian oil. It came at a time when Trump was seeking to increase pressure on Russia over its war in Ukraine, which has only increased in intensity despite the president’s pledge to end it as soon as he took office.
