Trump Threatens India with Tariffs Over Russian Oil Imports

US President Donald Trump has once again raised the stakes with India over its purchases of Russian crude, warning of “massive tariffs” if New Delhi continues to buy oil from Moscow. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally assured him that India would halt such imports.

“He (PM Modi) told me, ‘I’m not going to be doing the Russian oil thing,’” Trump said. “But if they keep doing it, they’ll be paying massive tariffs.” When questioned about the Indian government’s response, Trump added, “But if they want to say that, then they’ll just continue to pay massive tariffs, and they don’t want to do that.”

This is not the first time Trump has issued such warnings. Earlier this year, his administration had imposed 50 per cent tariffs on several Indian exports, including textiles and pharmaceuticals. The President reiterated that duties would remain in place—or could even increase—if India continues importing Russian crude.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) promptly denied Trump’s claim. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a briefing that the government was “unaware of any conversation” between the two leaders on this matter. While he acknowledged ongoing discussions on deepening energy ties with the US, he did not confirm any commitment to halt Russian oil purchases.

India imports roughly one-third of its crude from Russia, a relationship it has defended as a matter of energy security, citing discounted rates and supply diversification. New Delhi has repeatedly emphasized that its oil strategy is driven by national interest rather than political alignment, sourcing crude from multiple global suppliers.

Trump’s comments come amid heightened US pressure on countries maintaining energy ties with Russia, with Washington arguing that Moscow’s oil revenues are funding its war in Ukraine. India, however, has maintained a cautious approach, balancing international diplomacy with the need to secure affordable energy.

Analysts suggest that while Trump’s tariff threats could impact India-US trade relations, New Delhi is unlikely to abruptly change its energy import strategy. The situation underscores the ongoing tension between US foreign policy objectives and India’s domestic energy requirements.

As the standoff unfolds, both nations continue to engage in energy discussions, but the potential for escalating trade tensions remains high, especially if India maintains its purchases of Russian oil despite Washington’s warnings.