Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi challenges Trump’s threats to support local products
Modi adopted a clear tone of defiance in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to impose tariffs on Indian exports, urging citizens to support national products and rely on goods made by Indian hands.
According to sources from Bloomberg, the Indian government has not issued any instructions to oil refineries to stop purchasing Russian oil, as both public and private refineries continue to buy crude from preferred sources, considering that purchase decisions remain strictly commercial.
Modi’s remarks came during a rally in Uttar Pradesh, where he underscored the importance of protecting India’s economic interests amid global turmoil, stating, “The world economy is in a state of apprehension and instability, and we will buy only what is produced by the hard work of Indians.”
This challenge follows the Trump administration’s imposition of a 25% tariff on India’s exports to the United States and threats of further action if India continues to purchase Russian oil.
The Trump administration has accused India of imposing high tariffs on American products and resorting to deception in the immigration system, in addition to importing quantities of Russian oil comparable to what China buys, drawing criticism from the European Union and the United States.
Nonetheless, Indian sources affirm that India will continue to purchase Russian oil, reflecting New Delhi’s efforts to safeguard its economic interests amid escalating geopolitical tensions.
