The Indian Army’s Eastern Command delivered a sharp rebuke to the United States on Tuesday, sharing a 1971 newspaper clipping highlighting decades of US arms support to Pakistan. Posted under the caption “This Day That Year – Build Up of War – August 5, 1971,” the article detailed how the US supplied Pakistan with $2 billion in arms since 1954, including tanks and bombers at “throwaway prices,” aiding Pakistan’s aggression during the Bangladesh Liberation War. The pointed post comes amid escalating tensions, following US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose steep tariffs on Indian goods over India’s Russian oil purchases.

Trump, who on Monday vowed to “substantially” increase India’s 25% tariff rate, accused India of profiting from Russian oil while ignoring the Ukraine conflict. In a Truth Social post, he claimed India’s oil trade fuels Russia’s “war machine.” India’s Ministry of External Affairs fired back, noting that the US had “actively encouraged” India’s Russian oil imports post-Ukraine conflict to stabilize global markets. The ministry also called out Western hypocrisy, pointing out the EU’s €67.5 billion trade with Russia in 2024, including record LNG imports, far exceeding India’s trade volume.

The Army’s post subtly underscores historical US support for Pakistan, contrasting with Trump’s recent tariff leniency, slashing Pakistan’s rate to 19% from 29%. As India defends its energy policy and non-aligned stance, the exchange signals a growing rift in US-India relations, with New Delhi standing firm against external pressure.

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