On Monday, US President Donald Trump allegedly stated that the nation might raise its current tariffs on imports from India if New Delhi failed to assist with the 'Russian oil issue.' Trump also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his speech, describing him as a 'good guy' who understood that the US President was displeased.
Trump was recorded telling reporters that India aimed to please him. He mentioned that Modi is a commendable person who understood his dissatisfaction. Trump emphasized the importance of his happiness and noted that they could swiftly increase tariffs on India.
Trump was discussing India's oil transactions with Russia, a practice his administration has consistently opposed. This opposition was mentioned as a justification for increasing tariffs on India to 50% in August 2025. According to Reuters, the President stated, 'We might increase tariffs on India if they don't assist with the Russian oil matter.'
During a briefing, the President discussed the United States' forthcoming actions following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, with oil being a key element in the recent attacks on the South American country.
Trump's recent warning about increasing tariffs occurs during the ongoing trade talks between India and the US.
Trump's recent comments follow his earlier assertion that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had 'promised' him that India would cease buying Russian oil. 'There will be no oil. He’s not purchasing oil,' he stated in October, shortly after the 50% tariffs on Indian imports were implemented.
India refuted Trump's claim, stating that no such discussion occurred between him and Prime Minister Modi.
While the Trump administration persists in opposing the Russian oil matter, India has consistently stated that its policies are driven by market offers and the requirements of Indian consumers.
Trump's recent comments on the matter might introduce new tension in the diplomatic relations between India and the US.
A temporary improvement in relations was noted following the implementation of tariffs when Trump mentioned he would 'always be friends' with Modi and highlighted a 'special relationship' between the two nations. Prime Minister Modi reciprocated by expressing his 'appreciation' for the US leader's favorable evaluation of their relationship.
Russia is India's largest oil provider. Several officials from the Trump administration have previously claimed that Russia utilizes the revenue from this oil trade to support the conflict in Ukraine, and that India has been 'profiteering' and 'earning billions' from reselling the oil. Trump's significant tariffs on India were widely perceived as a strategy to pressure Putin to cease the aggression in Ukraine.
