NEW DELHI: As tensions flared between Washington and New Delhi over India’s Russian oil imports, the Indian Army on Tuesday posted a pointed reminder of history—highlighting how the United States once backed Pakistan during the 1971 war.In a social media post titled “This Day That Year – Build Up of War – 05 Aug 1971 #KnowFacts”, the Army shared an old newspaper clipping with the caption: “US ARMS WORTH $2 BILLION SHIPPED TO PAKISTAN SINCE ’54.” The post came a day after India pushed back strongly against Trump’s threat of higher tariffs over its energy ties with Russia, calling the criticism from the US and EU “unjustified and unreasonable.”“India has been targeted by the United States and the European Union for importing oil from Russia after the commencement of the Ukraine conflict. In fact, India began importing from Russia because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the conflict,” the MEA said.Also read | ‘Unjustified and unreasonable’: India calls out US, EU over oil trade with Russia; pans double standardsThe statement highlighted that the US had initially “actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening global energy market stability.”The post came as President Donald Trump sharply criticised India’s oil trade with Russia and warned of significantly higher tariffs. New Delhi also pointed to Western double standards. While criticising India, both the US and the EU continue to engage in large-scale trade with Russia, it noted. In 2024, the EU’s LNG imports from Russia reached a record 16.5 million tonnes. Its total trade in goods with Russia stood at €67.5 billion, with services worth €17.2 billion in 2023 — far exceeding India’s total trade with Moscow.Similarly, the US continues to import Russian uranium hexafluoride, palladium, fertilisers, and chemicals.India said its energy imports are dictated by national interest and market realities. “Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security,” the MEA said.Trump, in a post on Truth Social, had claimed India is “buying massive amounts of Russian oil” and “selling it on the open market for big profits,” adding, “They don’t care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine.”
