India is also seeking the removal of the additional 25 per cent tariff on Russian oil, stressing that the country should not be singled out. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar raised concerns over “double standards” in access to energy and food supplies during the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting.

Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York, emphasizing sustained engagement on trade and priority areas. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer also participated in the discussions, which focused on trade, tariffs, and broader bilateral issues.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry described the meetings as constructive. Rubio indicated the Trump administration may reconsider the additional Russian oil tariffs on India. MEA officials reiterated that India’s stance remains firm on energy purchases and fairness, highlighting statements urging European nations to curb Russian oil imports without imposing double standards.

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Sergio Gor, a close aide of President Trump, has been nominated as US ambassador to India and special envoy for South and Central Asia. He will work primarily from the State Department in New Delhi and engage with the President as required.

The official highlighted that India will host the Quad leaders’ summit this year. Trump’s attendance is expected, and planning for the summit is underway. Positive developments in the US-India relationship are anticipated in the coming months.

Issues like Russian oil tariffs, Chabahar port sanctions, and H-1B visa reforms were also discussed. The official clarified that the measures target adversaries broadly and are not solely directed against India. Close coordination with Indian officials continues to ensure smooth implementation of policies affecting trade and skilled worker mobility.

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The statement follows Washington’s recent move to slap additional duties on Indian exports, citing New Delhi’s continued purchase of discounted Russian crude oil. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has returned to the political spotlight, had earlier threatened harsher penalties but has now begun softening his rhetoric, signalling awareness of the limitations of such measures.

Lavrov argued that U.S. ultimatums are only pushing India and China toward alternative markets and suppliers. He underlined that both countries reject threats that compromise their sovereign decision-making. Russia, he added, remains committed to deepening its energy and trade ties with India, offering long-term cooperation in oil, gas, and joint projects.

For India, the U.S. tariffs pose immediate risks to export competitiveness, but officials maintain that energy imports from Russia are dictated by national interest and affordability. Indian policymakers have described the duties as unjustified and politically motivated.

The geopolitical tussle underscores India’s balancing act — maintaining close ties with both Washington and Moscow. While the U.S. seeks to limit Russia’s global outreach, New Delhi continues to pursue a pragmatic, multi-aligned foreign policy that prioritizes energy security and strategic autonomy.

Analysts believe that Trump’s softened stance could open space for negotiations, but the larger debate highlights the growing friction between trade sanctions and sovereign choices in a multipolar world.

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Navarro argued that before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, India’s crude oil purchases from Moscow were negligible, and the current imports reflect opportunistic profiteering. His remarks quickly sparked debate online and drew fact-checks from X’s Community Notes, which clarified that India’s imports comply with international law and are driven by domestic energy needs.

Unmoved by the rebuttal, Navarro lashed out at X and its owner Elon Musk, dismissing the notes as “crap” and accusing the platform of spreading false narratives. The heated exchange comes at a time when U.S.–India ties are already strained. Just weeks earlier, Washington imposed a steep 50% tariff on Indian exports, citing New Delhi’s continued reliance on Russian oil as one of the triggers.

Indian officials have consistently defended their energy choices, stressing that affordable crude is essential for sustaining an economy that serves 1.4 billion people. Analysts in New Delhi argue that such rhetoric from American political figures overlooks India’s strategic autonomy and its right to secure energy at competitive prices.

Observers warn that Navarro’s statements, though personal, reflect a larger strain in bilateral relations. With global energy markets volatile and Ukraine peace talks faltering, the issue has become a flashpoint in U.S.–India diplomacy. For now, India shows no signs of altering its course, prioritizing national interest over external pressure.

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