Trump has also targeted Brazil with a 50 per cent tariff over what he has termed as a “witch hunt” against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who is seen as an ally of Trump.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday (23 August) delivered a sharp response to criticism from US President Donald Trump’s trade adviser Peter Navarro, who had earlier accused India of acting as a “Kremlin laundromat” by refining discounted Russian crude and exporting it at a premium.

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Saturday called out the United States for selectively targeting over Russian oil imports. The relations between New Delhi and Washington are on a downturn after Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to a whopping 50 per cent,

Sky-high US tariffs are prompting India and Brazil to explore opportunities to boost oil trade, as New Delhi looks for alternatives to Russian oil, while Brazil scouts for newer markets for its growing crude output,

India's crude oil imports from Brazil surged 75% year-on-year in H1 2025, reaching 72,000 b/d, as both nations seek deeper trade ties in response to US tariffs affecting Russian oil imports.

India’s state-run refiners, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), have reportedly restarted purchases of Russian crude oil for September and October cargoes after a temporary pause.

On average, India imported about $130 billion in Russian oil per year since Moscow invaded Ukraine in February 2022.