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Trump Threatens India with Increased Tariffs Over Russian Oil Imports
Washington D.C. – Former U.S. President Donald Trump is escalating tensions with India over its continued purchase of Russian oil, threatening to impose “massive tariffs” on Indian goods if New Delhi doesn’t cease its imports. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump doubled down on his claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to curtail Russian oil purchases, a claim strongly refuted by the Indian government.
“I spoke with Prime Minister Modi of India, and he said he’s not going to be doing the Russian oil thing,” Trump asserted, despite India’s Foreign Ministry denying any recent conversation between the two leaders regarding this matter.
When questioned about India’s denial, Trump responded, “But if they want to say that, then they’ll just continue to pay massive tariffs, and they don’t want to do that.”
Trump’s remarks come amidst growing U.S. pressure on countries that continue to trade with Russia, particularly in the energy sector, as the U.S. argues these transactions indirectly fund Russia’s war in Ukraine. Since Western nations imposed sanctions on Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine, India has emerged as the largest buyer of discounted Russian seaborne oil.
Washington already imposes a 50% tariff on a range of Indian exports, including a 25% penalty for transactions with Russia. Trump has repeatedly stated that these duties will remain or even increase if India doesn’t halt its crude oil trade with Moscow.
While Trump last week claimed Modi assured him of halting Russian oil purchases, the Indian government maintains no such conversation took place, emphasizing its priority to protect the interests of Indian consumers. A White House official claimed India has halved its Russian oil purchases, but Indian sources deny any immediate reduction.
Commodities data firm Kpler estimates India’s Russian oil imports will rise by 20% this month, reaching 1.9 million barrels per day, as Russia increases exports following Ukrainian drone strikes on its refineries.
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