Jaishankar also argued that the tariff issue was being wrongly presented as an “oil dispute.” He noted that the same criticism levelled at India for purchasing Russian energy had not been applied to larger importers, such as China and European nations.

Days after the United States announced a 50 percent levy on Indian goods, the Department of Posts on Saturday, i.e., August 23, announced a temporary suspension of all postal services to the United States from August 25.

Jaishankar’s comments come amid speculation that India and China are cozying up due to the US’ trade pressure on both the countries. Earlier this week, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited New Delhi and held several key meetings, including with Jaishankar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.