Trump responds to India mentioning US trade with Russia in light of a tariff threat: 'I have no idea.'

Donald Trump was recently asked about India's point regarding the US purchasing Russian uranium and fertilizers, even while he criticizes New Delhi for its dealings with Moscow. In response, the US President said, "I don't know anything about it, I'd have to check, but we'll get back to you on that," when a reporter pressed him on the issue. Last week, Trump announced a hefty 25 percent tariff on Indian imports and hinted at unspecified penalties, all while negotiations for a deal are still in progress ahead of his August 1 deadline for the tariffs to take effect. He later escalated his rhetoric, threatening to increase that tariff rate because of India's purchases of military equipment and oil from Russia, labeling India as "Russia’s largest buyer of energy, along with China." In response to Trump's tariff announcement, India pointed out the US's own imports from Russia. “As far as the US is concerned, it continues to import uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, palladium for its electric vehicle industry, fertilizers, and various chemicals from Russia.” In response to Trump's comments, New Delhi labeled his criticism of India as “unjustified and unreasonable,” emphasizing that the government is committed to protecting its national interests and economic security. While Trump continues his barrage against India, threatening to increase tariffs and accusing the nation of “fueling the war machine” by engaging in trade with Russia, one of his own party members, Indian-American Nikki Haley, has stepped up to defend India. Taking to X, she referred to India as a “strong ally” and cautioned against the US giving leniency to China. "India should not be buying oil from Russia. But China, which is an adversary and the top buyer of Russian and Iranian oil, received a 90-day tariff pause. Don’t give China a pass and jeopardize a relationship with a strong ally like India," she posted on X.

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