Washington: US President Donald Trump on Sunday issued a strong warning to India, saying the United States could impose even higher tariffs on Indian goods if New Delhi continues to buy large quantities of crude oil from Russia. The remarks signal a fresh escalation in trade tensions between the two strategic partners at a time when broader economic talks are already struggling to make progress.
Trump made the comments while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One. He said the US was deeply dissatisfied with India’s energy trade with Russia and stressed that Washington expects countries with close ties to the US to support efforts aimed at isolating Moscow over the war in Ukraine. According to Trump, tariffs could be raised very quickly if India does not take steps to reduce its dependence on Russian oil.
The United States has already taken punitive trade action against India. In 2025, Washington doubled tariffs on several categories of Indian exports to as high as 50 percent, citing India’s sharp increase in purchases of discounted Russian crude. Despite these steep duties, official data show that Indian exports to the US continued to rise toward the end of last year, suggesting that trade volumes have so far remained resilient.
Trump said he respects Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and described him as a good leader, but added that personal relationships would not override US national interests. He made it clear that trade penalties remain a key tool in pushing allies and partners to align with US foreign policy goals, particularly when it comes to Russia.
India, for its part, has consistently defended its oil purchases, arguing that energy security is critical for its fast growing economy and large population. Since Western sanctions reduced Russia’s access to traditional markets, India has emerged as one of the biggest buyers of Russian crude, taking advantage of lower prices to keep domestic fuel costs under control.
In recent days, signs have emerged that India is trying to manage US pressure without making public commitments. Reuters reported earlier that New Delhi asked its state and private refiners to submit weekly data on Russian oil imports. This move is widely seen as an attempt to improve transparency and keep trade negotiations with the US alive, rather than a signal of an immediate policy shift.
Talks on a broader US India trade agreement have been slow and complex, with disagreements over tariffs, market access, and industrial policy. Trump’s latest warning risks further delaying any breakthrough and adds uncertainty for exporters, manufacturers, and investors on both sides.
Experts say the situation highlights a deeper challenge in US India relations. While the two countries cooperate closely on defense, technology, and regional security, they continue to differ on how to handle Russia and global energy flows. India has repeatedly said it will make decisions based on its national interest and will not be pressured into cutting off affordable energy supplies.
For now, there has been no official response from the Indian government to Trump’s latest comments. Observers say the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the tariff threat leads to behind the scenes compromises or pushes the two countries toward a sharper trade confrontation.