US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that India’s purchasing crude oil from Russia has become a cause of concern for America and this is clearly a problem in Indo-US bilateral relations.
Rubio said in an interview to Fox Radio that India is a strategic ally of America, but 100 percent consensus in foreign policy is not always possible. He admitted that India’s energy needs are very big and that is why he buys resources like oil, coal and gas from Russia.
According to the news agency PTI, Rubio said that Russian oil is banned, so Russia is selling them at a lower price and India is buying it. Unfortunately, this is helping Russia to continue the war with Ukraine. This is the reason that it has been an important concern in our relationships.
He also said that there are many cooperative aspects of America with India, but President Donald Trump’s resentment is that despite other options in the world, India is constantly buying a large amount of oil from Russia, which is providing financial help to Ukrain War.
Trump imposed 25% tariff on India
This statement comes at a time when Trump has announced a 25 percent tariff on all the items coming from India from 1 August. Also, an additional fine has been announced to buy oil and military equipment from Russia, although detailed information has not been given yet.
Is this the pressure tactis of Trump?
Experts believe that this step of Trump can be a strategy to pressurize India, so that he can accept the demands of America. In recent times, the US has signed a favorable trade agreement with countries like Japan, Britain and European Union.
What is India’s response?
The Government of India has reacted to this, saying that it will take all necessary steps to protect and promote national interests, and the effects of these fees are being investigated.
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