United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday, August 5, said that he had no knowledge of American imports of Russian Chemicals and fertilizers as he criticises India for its business ties with Moscow.

When asked about US imports of Russian Uranium, chemical fertilizers, Donald Trump casually replied, “I don’t know anything about it. I have to check.”

The “no knowledge of it” came after India claimed that US continues to import from Russia uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, fertilisers, as well as chemicals and a day after Donald Trump announced that he would “substantially raise” tariffs on India over its purchase of Russian energy.

In a post on Truth Social, Donald Trump said, “India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits. They don’t care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA. Thank you for your attention to this matter!!!”

Earlier, the United States had imposed 25 per cent reciprocal tariffs on India. He had also announced “additional penalties” for its Russian energy imports, accusing New Delhi of “fueling” Russia’s war on Ukraine.

The statement said, “In fact, India began importing from Russia because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the conflict. The United States at that time actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening global energy markets stability. India’s imports are meant to ensure predictable and affordable energy costs to the Indian consumer. They are a necessity compelled by global market situation. However, it is revealing that the very nations criticizing India are themselves indulging in trade with Russia. Unlike our case, such trade is not even a vital national compulsion.”

It added, “Where the United States is concerned, it continues to import from Russia uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, palladium for its EV industry, fertilisers, as well as chemicals. In this background, the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable. Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.”

India also mentioned not that the EU’s bilateral trade with Russia in 2024 amounted to Euro 67.5 billion in goods besides 16.5 million tonnes of LNG, above its own trade volume with Russia.