External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has drawn “red lines” in the ongoing India-US trade deal negotiations, stressing that India will not concede on certain key issues despite mounting pressure from Washington.
Speaking at the ET World Leaders Forum, Jaishankar defended India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, a major sticking point in bilateral talks.
“It’s ironic for people representing a pro-business American administration to criticize others for doing business. If you have a problem with India buying oil or refined products, don’t buy from us. Nobody is forcing you. Europe buys, America buys — if you don’t like it, don’t buy it,” he remarked.
Jaishankar underscored that importing Russian oil serves both India’s national interest and global stability by helping keep fuel prices in check. He reiterated that New Delhi would continue to take independent decisions on energy security.
Tensions escalated after the US imposed punitive tariffs on Indian exports, with former President Donald Trump arguing that India’s Russian oil imports were funding the Ukraine conflict. But oil isn’t the only friction point — despite multiple rounds of discussions, the much-anticipated interim trade deal has stalled, with both sides locked in disagreements over critical issues where India has refused to compromise.
Mr. Jaishankar clarified that despite the ongoing tensions, talks between India and the US have not collapsed. “Negotiations are still underway. The bottom line is that we have some red lines. Nobody has said the discussions are off (Agencies)
