New delhi: India defended its purchase and resale of Russian oil on Saturday, with Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar firmly addressing critics by stating that no one is compelled to buy it. This declaration comes as US President Donald Trump announced Sergio Gor as the new ambassador to New Delhi, reflecting Washington's intensified trade stance towards India.
According to Anadolu Agency, Jaishankar remarked at an event in New Delhi, "It's funny to have people who work for a pro-business American administration accusing other people of doing business. 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." Last year, bilateral trade between India and Russia reached a record $68.7 billion, with India importing approximately 88 million tons of Russian oil during the same period.
President Trump has named Sergio Gor as the new ambassador to India and special envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs. Gor, who will maintain his role as director of presidential personnel until Senate confirmation, has been instrumental in staffing nearly 4,000 positions within the federal government. Trump expressed his confidence in Gor on Truth Social, stating, "For the most populous region in the world, it is important that I have someone I can fully trust to deliver on my agenda and help us, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN. Sergio will make an incredible ambassador."
Gor, originally from the Soviet Union and whose full surname is Gorokhovsky, recently gained attention when Elon Musk labeled him a "snake" amid reports of incomplete security clearance vetting and speculation regarding his influence on Trump's decision to withdraw Jared Isaacman's NASA administrator nomination.
The appointment of Gor occurs amid ongoing tariff disputes between India and Washington, with the US imposing a 50% duty on Indian exports as part of its strategy to deter Russia from continuing its actions in Ukraine. As the conflict in Ukraine surpasses a thousand days since beginning in February 2022, trade and energy supply tensions have escalated.
Jaishankar emphasized that trade negotiations with Washington are ongoing but highlighted India's steadfast priorities: "Where we are concerned, the red lines are primarily the interests of our farmers and, to some extent, of our small producers."
In a related development, India's postal service announced a temporary suspension of all types of postal articles destined for the US starting Monday, with exceptions for letters, documents, and gift items valued up to $100. This decision precedes Washington's planned termination of the de minimis exemption on Friday, which currently permits parcels worth $800 or less to enter the US without tariffs.