New Delhi— Former Minister of State for External Affairs, MJ Akbar, has strongly criticised the recent US decision to impose steep tariffs on Indian goods, calling it a result of Washington’s “volatile and inconsistent policy.”
In a conversation with ANI, Akbar defended India’s purchase of Russian oil, stressing that “India has not violated any American law.” He noted the contradiction in US President Donald Trump’s actions declaring Russia a foe and penalising India for trade ties, only to announce talks with President Putin days later.
Describing the current global scenario as “a game of snakes and ladders” initiated by Trump, Akbar said the uncertainty is impacting trusted partners like India. He pointed out that Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor, is in Moscow to hold key talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Lavrov, with trade, tariffs, and security topping the agenda.
Akbar also highlighted that PM Modi will visit China for the first time in seven years, calling it a strategic response to global developments.
He praised the Prime Minister’s “powerful silence” and measured diplomacy, adding that Modi’s approach reflects India’s Swadeshi foreign policy focused on the welfare and sovereignty of its people, especially in sectors like agriculture and dairy.
Criticising what he called US “double” or even “triple standards,” Akbar pointed out that China buys more Russian oil than India, yet faces no such penalties. He also noted that the US itself imports uranium from Russia, questioning the basis for targeting Indian trade.
Akbar warned that such punitive actions could erode the trust built over two decades between India and the US, stating, “America has been more punitive with friends than with foes.”
He concluded that the situation may settle into a “new normal”, but questioned the logic behind the US damaging a carefully built alliance with India.
