Don't Know Anything About It: Trump On India's Claims On US Buying Russian Chemicals, Fertilizers

US President Donald Trump has responded to India's claims on America buying uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, fertilisers, as well as chemicals, despite putting pressure on New Delhi to stop buying oil from Moscow.

In a question raised by ANI at a press briefing, Trump said, "I don't know anything about it. We will have to check." His remarks come after India responded to Trump's tariff threats by accusing the US of having trade with Russia.

India's Response To Trump's Tariff Threats

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affair said that India's imports were based on market needs and energy security, especially after Western nations diverted traditional supplies to Europe over the Russia-Ukraine war.

"In fact, India began importing from Russia because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the conflict. The United States at that time actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening global energy markets stability. India's imports are meant to ensure predictable and affordable energy costs to the Indian consumer. They are a necessity compelled by global market situation. However, it is revealing that the very nations criticizing India are themselves indulging in trade with Russia. Unlike our case, such trade is not even a vital national compulsion," the statement stated.

India highlighted the trade between Russia and both the United States and the European Union.

"Where the United States is concerned, it continues to import from Russia uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, palladium for its EV industry, fertilisers, as well as chemicals. 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 statement said," the government explained.

India pointed out that the EU's bilateral trade with Russia in 2024 stood at Euro 67.5 billion in goods, in addition to 16.5 million tonnes of LNG. New Delhi ended on the note that it will take all necessary steps to safeguard its national interests and economic security.

Trump's Threats

As India refused buckle down under US pressure to stop buying oil from Russia, Trump said, "India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits. They don't care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA. Thank you for your attention to this matter!!!" Trump had said in a post on Truth Social on Monday.

Meanwhile, Russia has hit out at the US after it warned India of revising tariffs over buying oil from Russia and said that such threats are illegal, Reuters reported.

Dmitry Peskov, Press Secretary of the President of the Russian Federation, stated that the countries have the right to choose their trade partners, and pressure against Russia's trade partners will be considered as threats.

With inputs from agencies.