India Slams US, Europe on Russia Trade Hypocrisy; Trump Responds: “I Don’t Know… Will Investigate”

Washington (The Uttam Hindu):Former US President Donald Trump has reacted to India’s sharp response over criticism regarding its imports from Russia. In a firm reply, India’s Ministry of External Affairs reminded the West that  while America and Europe questioned India’s oil imports from Russia, they themselves continue to import nuclear fuel, fertilizers, chemicals, and industrial metals from the same country.

When questioned, Trump said: “I don’t know about this… I will investigate it.” On Tuesday, the Indian foreign ministry addressed the double standards, stating that during the Ukraine war, the US had even encouraged India to continue Russian oil imports to help stabilize global energy prices. Yet, those same countries are now pointing fingers at India, despite ongoing purchases from Russia themselves.

India cited that the US still imports uranium hexafluoride (used for nuclear fuel), palladium (critical for the EV industry), fertilizers, and chemicals from Russia. The ministry asserted that targeting India is unjust and hypocritical. India also reminded Europe that in 2024, it traded €67.5 billion worth of goods and €17.2 billion in services with Russia — significantly higher than India's trade volume with Moscow.

In addition, Europe imported a record 16.5 million tonnes of LNG from Russia in 2024 — surpassing its 2022 figures — along with fertilizers, minerals, steel, machinery, and more. India emphasized that it makes strategic decisions based on its own economic and security interests, just like other major global powers. It concluded by stating that if anyone deserves criticism, it should first be America and Europe themselves.