‘Don’t know’: Trump responds after India highlights US imports of Russian Uranium, fertilizers

US President Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump stated that he was unaware and "doesn't know anything about" Washington’s imports of Russian uranium, chemicals and ferilizers. His remarks came while responding to a question on India’s statement on American imports of these commodities.

"I don't know anything about it. We will have to check," said Trump in response to a query by news agency ANI about US imports of Russian chemicals and fertilisers.

#WATCH | Responding to ANI's question on US imports of Russian Uranium, chemical fertilisers while criticising their (Indian) energy imports', US President Donald Trump says, "I don't know anything about it. I have to check..."

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(Source: US Network Pool via Reuters) pic.twitter.com/OOejcaGz2t

— ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2025

The comment came after India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that, despite urging India to scale back trade with Russia, both the US and Europe continue to import substantial goods from Moscow.

“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. Europe-Russia trade includes not just energy, but also fertilisers, mining products, chemicals, iron and steel and machinery and transport equipment,” the statement said.

The statement came after Trump threatened to “substantially” raise US tariffs on India, accusing it of buying massive amounts of Russian oil and selling it for big profits.

“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!!!” Trump had said in a post on Truth Social.

In its statement, India said it will take all necessary steps to safeguard its national interests and economic security. "India has been targeted by the United States and the European Union for importing oil from Russia after the commencement of the Ukraine conflict. 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," the statement read.

"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 further.