Indian Army reminds Trump the hard truth amid oil trade row

As tensions rose between Washington and New Delhi over India’s Russian oil imports, the Indian Army on Tuesday issued a historical reminder, pointing out that the United States once supported Pakistan during the 1971 war.

In a social media post titled “This Day That Year – Build Up of War – 05 Aug 1971 #KnowFacts”, the Army shared an old newspaper clipping reading, “US ARMS WORTH $2 BILLION SHIPPED TO PAKISTAN SINCE ’54.”

The post came a day after India strongly rejected Donald Trump’s threat of higher tariffs over its energy ties with Russia, calling US and EU criticism “unjustified and unreasonable.”

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India began buying oil from Russia only after its traditional suppliers shifted supplies to Europe following the Ukraine conflict. The MEA noted that the US had initially “actively encouraged” such imports to stabilise global energy markets.

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New Delhi also accused the West of double standards. While criticising India, both the US and EU maintain substantial trade with Russia. In 2024, EU LNG imports from Russia hit a record 16.5 million tonnes, and total EU–Russia trade in 2023 amounted to €67.5 billion in goods and €17.2 billion in services, far exceeding India’s trade with Moscow. The U S also continues to buy Russian uranium hexafluoride, palladium, fertilisers, and chemicals.

India stressed that its energy imports are driven by national interest and market realities. “Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security,” the MEA stated.

Trump, in a Truth Social post, accused India of “buying massive amounts of Russian oil” and “selling it on the open market for big profits,” claiming, “They don’t care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine.”

"In this background, the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable. Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security," the MEA said.

It said India has been "targeted" by the US and the EU for importing oil from Russia after the commencement of the Ukraine conflict.