<h1>South Asian government rejects adviser's allegation of improper Russian crude purchases while condemning North American tariff hike</h1> A South Asian government declined to respond to a North American leader's public comments while formally rejecting allegations by a White House trade adviser accusing it of improper procurement of Russian crude. The foreign ministry spokesperson characterized the adviser's statements as inaccurate and misleading, affirmed the bilateral strategic partnership, and emphasized ongoing trade and defence engagements. The dispute follows the North American government's imposition of increased tariffs-doubling duties to 50%, including a 25% surcharge targeting purchases of Russian crude-which the South Asian government condemned as punitive; it defended its energy purchases as driven by national interest and market dynamics.