Former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to India, declaring that the nation will face “massive tariffs” if it persists in purchasing oil from Russia. He reiterated his belief that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously assured him that India would halt its Russian oil imports.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Mr. Trump emphasized that India would “continue to pay massive tariffs” should they fail to cease these oil acquisitions, implying India would want to avoid such punitive measures.
These remarks came in response to recent statements from India regarding its energy procurement strategy. Last week, India had clarified its commitment to “broad-basing and diversifying” its energy sourcing to align with market conditions. This statement followed Mr. Trump’s earlier assertion that Prime Minister Modi had assured him of New Delhi discontinuing Russian crude oil purchases.
However, Mr. Trump expressed skepticism about India’s recent comments, maintaining his earlier claim: “I spoke with Prime Minister Modi of India, and he said he’s not going to be doing the Russian oil thing,” the U.S. President stated.
Washington has consistently argued that India’s ongoing purchases of Russian crude oil are effectively aiding in financing Russia’s military actions.
Relations between New Delhi and Washington have reportedly been under significant strain, exacerbated by Mr. Trump’s decision to double tariffs on Indian goods to an substantial 50 percent. This included an additional 25 percent duty specifically targeting India’s acquisition of Russian crude oil.
India, in turn, has characterized these U.S. actions as “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.”