India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar issues firm warning: "Don't buy it," four days before Trump's imposed tariff deadline for India

Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, the External Affairs Minister of India, has addressed the ongoing tensions between India and the United States regarding tariffs imposed on Indian goods as a result of India's continued purchases of Russian oil.

In a recent statement, Jaishankar asserted India's right to make decisions in its own national interest, describing this right as a part of strategic autonomy. He also mentioned that ongoing talks are taking place between India and the US, despite the current tensions.

The tariff, which is one of the highest imposed by the US, has already resulted in Indian goods facing up to 50% additional tariffs. As of August 25, a 25% tariff has come into effect, with the remaining 25% set to be enforced from August 27.

Jaishankar hit out at the criticism of India's continued imports of Russian crude and refined products, stating that if the US has a problem buying oil or refined products from India, they can choose not to buy them. He also pointed out the contradiction in the West's stance, saying European trade with Russia is far greater than India's.

Jaishankar also noted that India's exports to Russia have grown, but not significantly compared to the EU. He added that Europe and America continue to buy Russian oil and refined products.

In response to the US's 25% tariff on Indian goods for Russian oil purchases, Jaishankar condemned the move as "unjustified." He also asserted that there are redlines in the negotiations that need to be maintained and defended.

However, no new information about China, Donald Trump, or the oil price was provided in this paragraph. It is worth noting that a planned visit by US trade negotiators to New Delhi from August 25-29 has been cancelled.

In conclusion, the ongoing tensions between India and the US over tariffs on Indian goods as a result of India's continued purchases of Russian oil are a complex issue. Jaishankar's statements emphasise India's right to make decisions in its own national interest and the contradiction in the West's stance on Russian oil trade. The future of these negotiations remains uncertain, with no new information about the US trade delegation's visit to New Delhi.