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AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi sharply criticized US President Donald Trump’s warning of tariffs on India for buying Russian oil. Addressing a rally in Karimnagar, he questioned whether India’s policies were being dictated from Washington and accused the Centre of failing to defend national sovereignty.
Owaisi Reacts Strongly to US Tariff Remark on India’s Russia Oil Purchases
Hyderabad: All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) President and MP Asaduddin Owaisi strongly objected to US President Donald Trump's statement threatening India with a 25 percent tariff on oil purchases from Russia. Addressing a public meeting in Karimnagar, Owaisi said that such threats by a foreign leader are against the country's sovereignty. He questioned whether India's Petroleum Minister is Trump or Hardeep Singh Puri.
In his speech, Owaisi also sharply attacked the policies of the Central Government and the BJP. He said that a person sitting in America is telling India that additional taxes will be imposed if oil is purchased from Russia, which is unacceptable. Owaisi also took a dig at the Union Minister present at the event, asking whether he was listening to and understanding such threats. He asked, "Is this the nationalism and patriotism of the BJP-RSS?"
Owaisi raised economic issues, saying that if India stops buying cheap oil from Russia, it will directly benefit China, which can afford to buy that oil. Citing the example of a company called Nayara, he asked whether the US would impose tariffs on a Russian company importing oil into India. He alleged that the government's policies appear to be influenced by external pressures rather than the interests of the general public.
Owaisi, citing Trump's recent statements, said that the US's warning against BRICS countries' use of the dollar as an alternative to the dollar or trade with Russia raises questions about India's independent foreign policy. He said that India should make decisions based on its national interests, not under pressure from any other country.
At the end of his address, Owaisi appealed to the people of Karimnagar to identify leaders who bow to foreign pressure. He said national interest should be paramount and the government should clearly state that India is capable of taking independent decisions on its energy needs and economic policies.
