India Balances US Tariffs, Trump Claims with “National Interest”

India is performing a delicate balancing act, navigating 50% US tariffs and claims by Donald Trump while holding firm to its “national interest.” The MEA cited “consumer interests” after Trump claimed PM Modi “assured” him India would stop buying Russian oil.
This claim comes as half of the new US tariffs are a direct penalty for this very oil trade.
India’s response, delivered by MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, was a clear assertion of its sovereign right to make energy decisions based on its own economic needs.
As this unfolds, Russia has moved to solidify its position as India’s key partner. Ambassador Denis Alipov defended the “beneficial” oil trade and simultaneously announced a major defense expansion.
This Russian offer includes advanced Su-57 fighters, drones, and radars, creating a stark contrast between US penalties and Russia’s offers of partnership and high-technology.