New Delhi: India on Wednesday strongly condemned the United States’ imposition of an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods, calling the move “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable”. The response came hours after US President Donald Trump signed a fresh executive order citing India’s oil imports from Russia.

In an official statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “The United States has in recent days targeted India’s oil imports from Russia.”

‘Imports based on market, aim to secure energy for 1.4 billion’

India defended its energy procurement practices, noting that the imports were determined by market factors and aimed at securing the country’s energy needs.

“We have already made clear our position on these issues, including the fact that our imports are based on market factors and done with the overall objective of ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people of India,” the MEA stated.

Condemns US move as discriminatory

Calling the US decision “extremely unfortunate”, India pointed out that similar energy arrangements were being pursued by other countries too. “It is therefore extremely unfortunate that the US should choose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest,” the statement read.

India signals firm response

The government made clear that it will not remain passive in the face of punitive measures. “India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests,” Jaiswal added.