S Jaishankar’s ‘Don’t Buy It’ Message: A Bold Stand Before Trump’s Tariff Deadline
On August 23, 2025, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a sharp and assertive response to the United States’ imposition of tariffs on Indian goods, just four days before an additional 25% tariff is set to take effect on August 27. Speaking at The Economic Times World Leaders Forum 2025 in New Delhi, Jaishankar addressed the Trump administration’s 50% tariffs—comprising a 25% levy already in place and another 25% tied to India’s purchase of Russian oil—calling them “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.” His candid remark, “If you have a problem buying oil or refined products from India, don’t buy it,” underscored India’s firm stance on its sovereign economic choices.
The Context: Trump’s Tariff Offensive
The Trump administration, known for its aggressive trade policies, imposed a 25% tariff on Indian exports effective August 7, 2025, citing India’s high tariffs on American goods. An additional 25% tariff, set to begin on August 27, targets India’s growing energy trade with Russia, which the U.S. claims fuels Russia’s war in Ukraine. This brings the total tariff burden on Indian goods to 50%, among the highest imposed by Washington. The move has sparked tensions, with Indian exporters, particularly in seafood and metals, facing significant challenges.
Jaishankar’s remarks come amidst ongoing trade negotiations with the U.S., aimed at reaching a bilateral trade agreement by fall 2025 to boost two-way commerce to $500 billion by 2030. However, the minister emphasized that India has “red lines,” particularly in protecting the interests of its farmers and small producers, which are non-negotiable.
‘Don’t Buy It’: Jaishankar’s Rebuttal
In a pointed rebuttal, Jaishankar challenged the U.S. narrative that India’s Russian oil purchases are problematic. “It’s funny to have people who work for a pro-business American administration accusing other people of doing business,” he said. “If you have a problem buying oil or refined products from India, don’t buy it. Nobody forces you to buy it. Europe buys, America buys, so you don’t like it, don’t buy it.” This statement reflects India’s frustration with what it perceives as selective targeting, especially since China, the largest buyer of Russian oil, has faced no similar penalties.
Jaishankar highlighted the inconsistency in Western criticism, noting that Europe’s trade with Russia far exceeds India-Russia trade. “When people say we are funding the war, Russia-European trade is bigger than India-Russia trade. So, European money is not putting coffers?” he questioned, pointing out that the EU remains a larger buyer of Russian energy. He also recalled that the U.S. had previously encouraged India to buy Russian oil to stabilize global energy markets, making the current tariffs seem contradictory.
Defending National Interest
The minister underscored India’s right to make decisions in its national interest, particularly in ensuring energy security and economic stability. “The issue of decisions we make in our national interest is our right. That’s what strategic autonomy is about,” he said, reinforcing India’s commitment to its “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) initiative. Jaishankar emphasized that India’s oil purchases help stabilize global oil prices, benefiting both domestic and international markets.
Protecting farmers and small producers remains a priority, with Jaishankar stating, “We are committed to defending the interests of our farmers and small producers. That’s not something we can compromise.” This stance signals that any trade deal with the U.S. must align with India’s domestic priorities, even as negotiations continue.
Trump’s Unorthodox Diplomacy
Jaishankar also critiqued President Trump’s public-first approach to foreign policy, describing it as a “major departure from tradition.” He noted that Trump’s tendency to announce decisions publicly before diplomatic engagement is unusual and affects not just India but the global stage. “We’ve not had a U.S. President who’s conducted foreign policy as publicly as the current one,” he said, highlighting the challenges of navigating such unpredictability.
India-U.S. Relations: A Balancing Act
Despite the tariff tensions, Jaishankar clarified that communication channels with the U.S. remain open. “We are two big countries, the lines are not cut, people are talking to each other, and we will see where it goes,” he said, signaling a pragmatic approach to resolving differences. India has been proactive in trade talks, with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal scheduled to visit Washington to advance negotiations. The goal is to finalize the first phase of a bilateral trade agreement by fall 2025, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the U.S. in February.
However, Jaishankar dismissed Trump’s earlier claim in May 2025 that India offered a “zero tariff” deal, calling such judgments premature. “Nothing is decided till everything is,” he said, emphasizing that any agreement must be mutually beneficial.
Broader Implications
The tariff dispute reflects broader geopolitical and economic dynamics. India’s energy trade with Russia, valued at approximately ₹13.39 lakh crore since 2022, has grown significantly, trailing only China’s purchases. Jaishankar’s recent visit to Moscow, where he met President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, reaffirmed India-Russia ties and discussed expanding exports in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. The minister also raised concerns about Indians serving in the Russian army, urging a speedy resolution.
The tariffs have already impacted India’s stock market, with fund managers shifting preferences away from Indian equities due to trade uncertainties. However, India remains committed to diversifying supply chains and reducing dependence on single sources, aligning with its self-reliance goals.
Looking Ahead
As the August 27 deadline looms, Jaishankar’s bold message sends a clear signal: India will not bow to external pressures that compromise its national interests. By defending its energy trade and prioritizing domestic stakeholders, India is asserting its strategic autonomy on the global stage. Whether the ongoing trade talks with the U.S. yield a breakthrough remains to be seen, but Jaishankar’s stance reflects a confident India ready to navigate complex global challenges.
Sources: Hindustan Times, The Economic Times, India Today, Times of India
