Sat Sep 06 01:19:15 UTC 2025: **Headline: Trump Downplays India-U.S. Rift Amid Trade Tensions and Russian Oil Purchases**

**New York/Washington – September 6, 2025** – Despite growing tensions over tariffs and India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, former U.S. President Donald Trump insists the United States and India maintain a “special relationship.” His remarks come amidst a backdrop of escalating trade disputes and concerns over India’s economic ties with Russia, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Speaking from the Oval Office on Friday, Trump acknowledged his disappointment with India’s oil purchases from Russia, stating, “I’ve been very disappointed that India would be buying so much oil from Russia, and I let them know that.” He also pointed to the imposition of a “very big tariff” on India, set at 50%.

Trump’s comments follow a recent Truth Social post where he lamented the perceived loss of India and Russia to China, sparking further speculation about the state of U.S. foreign policy in Asia. The post featured an old photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. This social media activity appeared to be triggered by the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, where Modi, Xi, and Putin were seen together.

While acknowledging the current friction, Trump downplayed the significance, stating, “India and the United States have a special relationship. There’s nothing to worry about. We just have moments on occasion.” He also reiterated his positive relationship with Prime Minister Modi, calling him a “great Prime Minister.”

However, other members of the Trump administration are expressing stronger concerns. Senior Counselor for Trade and Manufacturing, Peter Navarro, took to X to criticize India’s oil purchases, claiming they “purely [feed] Russia’s war machine.” National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett echoed this sentiment, stating the Trump administration is “disappointed that India continues to fund Russia’s Ukraine war.”

The situation raises questions about the future of U.S.-India relations and the delicate balancing act India faces in navigating its relationships with both the West and Russia. Despite Trump’s reassuring words, the ongoing trade disputes and diverging views on Russia suggest a potentially challenging path ahead for the two nations.

Read More