In its first direct public pushback against US President Donald Trump’s repeated targeting of India over trade with Russia, the Centre termed his criticism “unjustified and unreasonable”. It said like any major economy, New Delhi will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security. In an official statement, ministry of external affairs said the US itself continues to import uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, palladium for its EV industry and fertilisers as well as chemicals from Russia. The response, a rare outpouring of frustration with Trump’s rants, followed another outburst by the US president in which he accused India of buying massive amounts of Russian Oil and selling it in the open market for big profits, while threatening to substantially raise tariffs on imports from India.MEA added that India’s imports are meant to ensure predictable and affordable energy costs to Indian consumers and are a necessity compelled by global market situation. “…It is revealing that the very nations criticising India are…indulging in trade with Russia. Unlike our case, such trade is not even a vital national compulsion,” said spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.