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Former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant on Wednesday said Trump’s 50% tariffs on Indian exports are unrelated to India’s Russian oil purchases.

Amitabh Kant (Photo Credit: X)
Former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant on Wednesday dismissed suggestions that US President Donald Trump’s 50% tariffs on Indian exports are linked to India’s purchase of Russian oil.
Calling the move “an irony,” Kant noted that while the U.S. continues negotiations with both Russia and China—China being the largest buyer of Russian crude—it has chosen to impose steep levies on India. “Let us be clear, this is not about Russian oil. Trump’s tariffs must be a wake-up call for India,” he wrote on X.
Kant stressed that India’s energy security and strategic autonomy should not be compromised under external pressure. “India has, on numerous occasions, refused to yield to global pressure. This moment should be no different,” he said.
Looking ahead, Kant argued that the current trade headwinds should serve as a catalyst for deep structural reforms. “Rather than intimidate us, these global headwinds must galvanise India into bold, once-in-a-generation reforms, while also diversifying our export markets to secure long-term growth and resilience,” he urged.
Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, economy, a…Read More
Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, economy, a… Read More
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