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New Delhi: Amid escalating tensions over India's continued purchase of discounted Russian crude oil, the Army on Tuesday posted a pointed reminder of Washington's long-standing double standards. In a social media post on platform X, the Army shared a newspaper clipping from 1971 highlighting historic US support for Pakistan during the buildup to the 1971 war.
The post, shared by the Army’s Eastern Command, was captioned: "This day, that year – build up of war – August 5, 1971". The attached clipping read: "US ARMS WORTH $2 BILLION SHIPPED TO PAKISTAN SINCE '54". The post came a day after US President Donald Trump threatened higher tariffs on India, accusing it of "war profiteering".
India reacted sharply to Trump's remarks, pointing out that while Washington preaches to others, it continues to maintain its own trade ties with Moscow. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) backed its stance with trade data to highlight the West's double standards.
While criticising India, both the United States and the European Union continue to conduct large-scale trade with Russia. In 2024, EU imports of Russian LNG reached a record 16.5 million tonnes. EU's total trade in goods with Russia stood at €67.5 billion, while services trade reached €17.2 billion in 2023, far exceeding India's total trade volume with Moscow.
Similarly, the US continues to import major commodities from Russia, including uranium hexafluoride, palladium, fertilisers, and chemicals. The MEA further clarified that India began importing Russian oil only after traditional suppliers diverted cargoes to Europe following the Ukraine conflict, a move that was "actively encouraged" by Washington at the time.
"We will act in the best interest of Indian consumers and choose the most cost-effective option," the MEA said, emphasising that India's oil purchases are dictated by national interest and energy security.
On Monday, Trump accused India of buying "massive amounts of Russian oil" and selling it on the open market for "big profits". He also said that he will increase his tariffs on Indian goods substantially -- up from 25 per cent which he imposed last week.
"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," Trump said on Truth Social.
Trump's broader trade policy, however, has sparked further controversy. While imposing tariffs on dozens of countries, he has reduced tariffs on Pakistan, lowering the rate from 29 per cent to 19 per cent, a move that further signals Washington’s enduring favouritism towards Islamabad.
