External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Saturday strongly criticised the United States for imposing steep tariffs on Indian goods, calling them “unjustified and unreasonable,” and vowed that India would not compromise on the interests of its farmers and small producers.
Speaking at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum 2025, Jaishankar said India’s “red lines” were clear. “Our priority is to protect farmers and small producers. When people say we have succeeded or failed, our commitment remains the same—we will not compromise on their interests,” he asserted.
The minister rejected attempts to frame the dispute solely around India’s purchase of Russian oil. He noted that countries like China and European nations, which import far more Russian energy, had not faced similar scrutiny. “If the argument is energy, they are bigger buyers. If it’s about trade, their volumes are much higher than ours. Yet the same criticism is not directed at them,” he said, pointing to what he called a double standard in Western policy.
Jaishankar also underlined that India’s decisions were rooted in its national interest and strategic autonomy. “The choices we make are our right. That is the essence of strategic autonomy,” he said.
On relations with Washington, Jaishankar struck a measured tone, saying dialogue between the two countries continued despite tensions. “We are two big nations. The lines are not cut. People are talking, and we will see where it goes,” he remarked.
Asked about Washington’s new ambassador to India, the minister declined to comment, noting, “I am the Foreign Minister; I don’t comment on ambassadorial appointments of other countries.”
His remarks came days after he concluded a visit to Russia, where he met President Vladimir Putin, Deputy PM Denis Manturov and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. He also co-chaired the 26th session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC).
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, discussions during the visit covered terrorism, the Ukraine conflict, and developments in West Asia and Afghanistan. Jaishankar also conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s greetings to President Putin and discussed key bilateral and global concerns.