Bhubaneswar: India has strongly countered recent remarks and actions by former U.S. President Donald Trump, calling out what it describes as a pattern of hypocrisy, misinformation, and strategic double standards concerning India’s foreign policy choices, especially on its ties with Russia and the India-Pakistan conflict.
In an official statement released on August 4, India confirmed that it continues to import oil from Russia, despite mounting Western pressure and Trump’s expectation that India would align with American sanctions and policies in the wake of the Ukraine conflict.
India Responds to Trump’s Ceasefire Mediation Claims
India’s response also comes in the wake of Trump’s repeated claims of having mediated or facilitated a ceasefire between India and Pakistan—a narrative that New Delhi has consistently denied as false and misleading. Officials from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized that India has never sought third-party mediation in the Kashmir issue or any other bilateral matter with Pakistan.
“India’s foreign policy is independent and rooted in national interest. Misrepresenting India’s position on global platforms, especially regarding Pakistan, only distorts the reality and damages mutual respect,” an MEA official stated.
India Slams Weaponization of Tariffs and Moral Preaching
Trump-era policies such as tariff impositions on Indian goods and diplomatic pressure over India’s neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine conflict have also drawn criticism. New Delhi views these actions as attempts to coerce India, despite the U.S. itself continuing multi-billion-dollar trade with both Russia and China.
India’s response has been sharp: while the West pressures India to halt oil imports from Russia, Europe and America themselves have engaged in substantial trade with Moscow, especially in critical sectors.
“Preaching morality while continuing business-as-usual with Russia exposes Western double standards,” said a senior Indian diplomat. “India will not compromise its national interest to satisfy another nation’s geopolitical theatre.”
Viral Clip Highlights Contradiction
A viral video of U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti has further highlighted the contradiction. In the clip, Garcetti is seen stating that the U.S. encouraged India to buy Russian oil to help stabilize global oil prices. The video has been widely circulated in Indian media and cited by government officials to underscore the inconsistencies in American rhetoric.
Historical Grievances Resurface
The backlash has also brought historic grievances back into public discourse. Indian analysts and media have recalled how, during the 1971 India-Pakistan war, the U.S. under President Nixon supported Pakistan militarily, even as India was aiding the liberation of Bangladesh.
“This history of duplicity cannot be ignored,” said a foreign affairs commentator. “America has often postured as a friend, but its actions have not always aligned with India’s interests.”
Russia-India Energy Ties Remain Strong
India has reiterated that its energy security and economic stability come first, and Russia remains a vital partner in this regard. With Moscow now the largest supplier of crude oil to India, the trade has played a critical role in controlling inflation, strengthening India’s energy independence, and maintaining affordable fuel prices for Indian citizens.
“This is not about taking sides—it is about protecting national welfare. India will do what is best for its people,” an MEA statement emphasized.
India’s recent statements make it clear that it is committed to strategic autonomy, and will not be drawn into geopolitical power games or used as a pawn in larger Western narratives. Whether it’s trade, diplomacy, or security, India is charting its own path, and is not willing to accept hypocrisy or condescension—from the West or elsewhere.
-OdishaAge
