Boris Johnson Criticizes India as Trump Imposes Additional Tariffs
LondonضFormer British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has indirectly criticized India in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose additional tariffs, commenting that Trump’s actions were both “brave and logical.” Johnson praised Trump for penalizing countries, particularly India, which continue to purchase Russian oil and gas, thus funding Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine.
On Wednesday, President Trump imposed a further 25% tariff on goods imported from India, raising the total tariff to 50%. The White House explained that the increased duties were both “appropriate and necessary,” citing India’s ongoing oil imports from Russia as a key issue.
Trump expressed concerns that India’s continued oil trade with Russia was enabling the Russian war machine in Ukraine. He referred to India as “not a good trading partner” due to these transactions, which he claimed were undermining global efforts to counter Russia’s aggression.
In response to the tariffs, Boris Johnson supported Trump’s stance, stating, “Ultimately, countries that continue to buy Russian oil and gas are fueling Putin’s war machine.” He also questioned when the UK and the rest of Europe would find the courage to take similar action.
The Indian government reacted strongly to the additional tariffs, labeling the U.S. decision as “regrettable.” An official spokesperson from India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated, “The actions India is taking are in line with what many other nations are doing in their own national interest.” The statement further described the U.S. move as “unfair, unwarranted, and unjust,” and confirmed that India would take all necessary steps to protect its national interests.
The development has sparked debates about global trade, geopolitics, and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, with many questioning the impact of such tariffs on diplomatic and economic relations between India and the United States.
