New Delhi, August 5, 2025|SKY LINK TIMES
In a sharp and symbolic move, the Eastern Command of the Indian Army on Tuesday shared an old newspaper clipping from August 5, 1971, reviving historical proof of US support to Pakistan during the buildup to the India-Pakistan war of 1971. The post came just a day after former US President Donald Trump threatened India with increased tariffs over its continued import of Russian oil.
“This Day, That Year” – Indian Army’s Subtle Reminder
The newspaper excerpt posted by the Army highlighted statements made by the then Defence Production Minister VC Shukla in the Rajya Sabha, revealing how NATO powers and the Soviet Union were contacted about Pakistan’s growing military power.
While France and the Soviet Union denied supplying arms to Pakistan, the US and China were found providing weapons at “throwaway prices”, the report said. These weapons were later used by Pakistan in the 1971 war against India — a historical fact India continues to remember.
The Army captioned the post:
“This day, that year. Build-up of war – August 5, 1971.”
Trump Threatens, India Hits Back
Just hours before, Donald Trump in a post on Truth Social accused India of buying Russian oil and reselling it on the open market for profits.
He said:
“India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian oil, they are selling it for big profits. Because of this, I will be substantially raising tariffs on goods from India.”
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) responded sharply, calling out the hypocrisy of the US and EU, pointing out that India’s imports are based on necessity, unlike Western nations that actively trade with Russia for profit.
Also Read: https://skylinktimes.in/president-murmu-meets-tribal-leaders/
EU Trade With Russia Exceeds India’s
The MEA revealed that the European Union’s bilateral trade with Russia in 2024 reached €67.5 billion, plus another €17.2 billion in services.
Europe’s LNG imports from Russia also hit a record 16.5 million tonnes in 2024.
“Europe continues to import energy, fertilisers, machinery, and steel from Russia, while criticising India’s far smaller trade footprint,” the statement noted.
A Moment of History and Diplomacy
The Indian Army’s post serves as a subtle, yet sharp diplomatic message — connecting historical patterns of bias with the current geopolitical tensions. It underscores India’s growing assertion on the global stage and its demand for fair treatment and respect for sovereign trade decisions.
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