Trump Warns India: Tariffs Stay Until Russian Oil Imports End
U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday warned that India will continue facing steep tariffs on its exports to the United States until it fully halts purchases of Russian oil a stance that has emerged as a key sticking point in the countries’ ongoing trade talks.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured him that New Delhi would stop buying Russian crude. But after India’s government denied knowledge of such a conversation, Trump doubled down, saying, “If they want to say that, then they’ll just continue to pay massive tariffs.”
Why It Matters
The warning highlights growing friction between Washington and New Delhi, two partners that have deepened defense and technology cooperation in recent years but remain divided on energy and trade. India is now the world’s largest buyer of seaborne Russian oil, taking advantage of steep discounts since Western sanctions hit Moscow in 2022. The U.S. argues those purchases help fund Russia’s war in Ukraine, while India maintains that energy security and consumer affordability come first.
United States: Trump has linked half of his 50% tariffs on Indian goods directly to India’s oil purchases from Russia.
India: Officials insist trade discussions remain “congenial,” while sources say no immediate cut in Russian imports is visible.
Market analysts: Data firm Kpler estimates India’s Russian oil imports will rise 20% this month to 1.9 million barrels per day.
What’s Next
Washington and New Delhi are expected to resume trade negotiations next month, but the tariff standoff could overshadow progress. U.S. officials say India has halved its Russian oil intake, though Indian refiners suggest any real decline won’t appear until December or January. The issue will likely loom large in the Trump-Modi meeting expected at the G20 Summit later this year.
