Trump tariffs ‘unfair’: India will buy energy from commercially viable sources, says MoS amid Russia-Iran sanctions law

Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh delivered a scathing rebuke of the latest U.S. tariff roll‑out at a press conference in New Delhi, calling the move “unfair” and a blatant attempt to undermine developing economies. The minister’s remarks come as Washington tightens its trade restrictions on a growing list of countries that are not formally aligned with the U.S..

but which play significant roles in the global economy, including India, which has been the beneficiary of a range of American export concessions for several years. Singh, who has long championed India’s economic autonomy, used the occasion to underline that the country’s foreign policy is guided by the interests of its 1.4 billion people rather than the demands of foreign powers.The new tariffs target a range of goods from both industrial and consumer sectors, including dairy products, pharmaceuticals, and automotive parts. While the United States has previously justified similar measures as a means to protect domestic industries, critics argue that they are in fact a form of protectionist retaliation..

Singh’s condemnation echoes the sentiments of a growing cohort of policymakers who see such moves as an attempt to force developing markets into a position of weakness by exploiting their comparative advantages. The minister’s remarks were well received by a broad swath of the political spectrum in India, where there is a growing awareness of the dangers of over‑dependence on any single foreign partner.In the same breath, Singh highlighted India’s policy of sourcing energy from “commercially viable” providers, a statement that comes amid heightened scrutiny over the country’s import of crude oil and refined products. The United States has recently introduced a new sanctions regime aimed at restricting trade with certain Russian and Iranian energy firms..

India, which relies on both Russian and Iranian supplies to meet its growing domestic demand, has taken a cautious approach to navigating this new regulatory landscape. By emphasising the importance of commercial viability, Singh underscored that India will continue to source energy from whichever markets offer the best prices and reliability, regardless of external pressure or political considerations.The minister’s speech also touched upon the broader geopolitical context that is shaping these developments. He noted that the current global landscape is becoming increasingly multipolar, with major economies such as China, the European Union, and India themselves asserting a greater degree of independence in their trade and security relationships..

Singh’s remarks were intended to convey that India’s foreign policy is guided by a pragmatic assessment of national interests rather than being swayed by external rhetoric. This stance is particularly relevant as India is expected to play a pivotal role in mediating between rival powers in the Indo‑Pacific region and beyond. By projecting a clear, consistent position, Singh hopes to reinforce India’s credibility as a neutral actor in international affairs.The reaction from the Indian business community has been largely supportive of the minister’s comments..

Many industry leaders have expressed concerns about the uncertainty that the U.S. tariffs could cause to the supply chains that already face significant volatility. In particular, the pharmaceutical sector, which has benefited from a range of American market access, now faces the risk of higher production costs and potential supply disruptions..

The Indian government’s response to this uncertainty has been to engage in constructive dialogue with the United States, seeking to find a mutually beneficial solution that preserves India’s economic stability while respecting the legitimate concerns of American industry.While the United States has framed the new tariffs as a measure to protect its own industries, critics point out that it may inadvertently damage the very markets it seeks to help. The United States itself has long been a major importer of Indian goods, especially textiles, software services, and high‑tech components. If India were forced to seek alternative markets for its exports, the impact on its domestic producers could be severe..

Furthermore, the tariffs could lead to a domino effect, encouraging other countries to adopt similar protectionist measures. This is a scenario that Singh and his colleagues fear could erode global trade norms and increase the risk of a new era of economic nationalism.India’s response to the sanctions on Russian and Iranian energy firms has been measured. While the Indian government has not explicitly complied with the new restrictions, it has indicated that it will continue to engage with partners in a manner consistent with international law..

In the same vein, it has reiterated its commitment to energy diversification, pursuing a mix of oil, natural gas, coal, and renewable sources to meet the needs of a rapidly growing population. By ensuring a balanced energy portfolio, India aims to reduce its reliance on any single supplier and thereby increase its resilience to geopolitical shocks. This strategy is part of a broader effort to position India as a leading player in the global energy transition, with significant investments in solar, wind, and nuclear power.The minister’s remarks also highlighted the importance of maintaining India’s own foreign policy trajectory..

He noted that the country’s foreign policy is guided by its own national interests rather than by external pressures. In that sense, India has not been compelled to comply with any external demands, but rather has remained steadfast in pursuing its own agenda. This stance is particularly relevant in the current global environment, where the U.S..

and other powers are trying to exert influence on key strategic partners. By maintaining a firm stance, the minister aims to protect the interests of India’s citizens and preserve the country’s strategic autonomy.Kirti Vardhan Singh’s remarks came at a time when global trade is under heightened scrutiny, and the international community is debating the balance between protectionism and free trade. The United States’ approach to trade has traditionally been framed as a mechanism to promote domestic welfare, but critics argue that it is often a tool to manipulate trade partners in favor of U.S..

India’s response to this approach is an indication of a broader shift in the global economic order, where emerging economies are asserting their own priorities and resisting unilateral actions from major powers. The minister’s comments underline India’s determination to pursue an independent path and to avoid being caught in a tug‑of‑war between rival superpowers.The policy of seeking commercially viable energy sources, according to Singh, also underscores India’s commitment to a diversified and balanced approach. By focusing on commercial viability, the government seeks to ensure that its energy imports are driven by price and reliability rather than political considerations..

This approach is designed to mitigate the risk of supply disruptions and to maintain economic stability. At the same time, it signals India’s willingness to cooperate with partners that comply with international regulations and standards, thereby reinforcing its reputation as a responsible global actor.In conclusion, the union minister’s rebuke of the new U.S. tariffs and his reaffirmation of India’s independent foreign policy reflect a broader trend towards greater autonomy among developing nations..

As the global trade environment continues to evolve, India is poised to navigate the challenges posed by external pressures while pursuing its own economic and strategic objectives..