Trump Caught Off Guard as India Exposes U.S. Double Standards on Russian Imports

In a moment that drew international attention, U.S. President Donald Trump appeared visibly unprepared when questioned about India’s sharp rebuttal to his criticism over New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil, despite Washington’s threat of steep tariff hikes.

During a media interaction on Tuesday (local time), President Trump was asked by news agency ANI to comment on India’s counter-allegation that the United States itself continues to import Russian uranium and chemical fertilizers. The question came in response to Trump’s earlier warning to “substantially” increase tariffs on Indian goods due to its sustained energy ties with Moscow.

When asked directly, “India says that the U.S. imports Russian uranium and chemical fertilizers while criticising their energy imports. What is your response?”, the President replied, “I don’t know anything about it. I have to check… But we will get back to you on this.”

The exchange highlighted an awkward moment for the U.S. administration, coming just a day after India publicly called out what it described as the West’s double standards regarding Russian trade.

In a sharply worded post on Truth Social, Trump had accused India of profiteering from the Ukraine conflict. “India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian oil, they are then, for much of the oil purchased, selling it on the open market for big profits. They don’t care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian war machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the tariff paid by India to the USA,” Trump stated.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded firmly, asserting that the country will take “all necessary measures” to protect its national interests and economic security. The ministry also drew attention to the fact that the U.S. and the European Union continue to conduct significant trade with Russia—despite publicly condemning the Ukraine war.

“The United States continues to import uranium hexafluoride from Russia to support its nuclear industry,” the MEA said. It also pointed out that in 2024, the European Union conducted trade with Russia amounting to €67.5 billion in goods and €17.2 billion in services—figures that far exceed India’s total trade volume with Moscow.

By calling out what it described as the duplicity of Western nations, India has reaffirmed its stance on maintaining strategic autonomy in its foreign policy—particularly when it comes to securing its energy and economic needs amid a shifting geopolitical landscape.