India Defies US Tariff Threat on Russian Oil, Rejects Blame for Stalled Trade Deal

• India maintains its energy policy, continuing Russian oil imports despite a potential 500% US tariff.
• US President Donald Trump backed a bill proposing a 500% tariff on countries buying Russian oil, including India and China.
• MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated India's commitment to securing affordable energy from diverse sources for its 1.4 billion people.
• India currently faces a 50% tariff, including a 25% penalty, for Russian oil and defense products since August 27.
• MEA refuted US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick's claim that PM Narendra Modi was responsible for the stalled US-India trade deal.

Why It Matters: India stands firm on its energy policy and rejects US blame for trade deal delays amid tariff threats.