India-US trade: As India-US relations face renewed strain over oil imports and tariffs, the Indian Army has issued a subtle but pointed reminder of Washington’s past actions that directly undermined Indian interests. 

What did the Indian Army say?

The Indian Army’s Eastern Command took to social media to highlight historical US military support to Pakistan, a move seen as a diplomatic potshot in light of current India-US tensions and Operation Sindoor.

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The post, made on August 5 under the hashtag #KnowFacts, reads: “This Day That Year – Build Up of War – 05 Aug 1971,” accompanied by an old newspaper clipping detailing how “US Arms worth $2 billion shipped to Pakistan since ’54.” The post, which came in the wake of Trump’s 25% tariff blitz, criticized both the US and the international community of America’s Cold War-era policies that hurt India’s strategic interests, particularly in the run-up to the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.

India calls out US hypocrisy over Russian oil 

The Army’s message came as India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a strongly worded statement defending its continued import of discounted Russian oil, which has drawn sharp criticism from US President Donald Trump.

Trump, who has now reimposed 25% tariffs on Indian goods, accused New Delhi of profiting from Russian oil despite war in Ukraine. The MEA responded late Monday night, calling such remarks “unjustified and unreasonable.” It pointed out that India turned to Russian supplies only after traditional oil-exporting nations diverted their output to Europe in the wake of the Ukraine conflict.

Notably, the ministry added that the US had “actively encouraged such imports” during that period to help stabilise the global energy market.

Trump imposed of 25% tariffs on Indian goods from August 1. He also warned of secondary sanctions due to India’s continued energy ties with Moscow.

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Posting on Truth Social, Trump claimed, “India has the highest tariffs and most obnoxious non-monetary trade barriers. We’ve done relatively little business with them.” He further cited India’s trade deficit with the US and its ties with Russia to justify his decision.