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WASHINGTON / NEW DELHI — U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to India that hefty tariffs will remain in place unless it halts imports of Russian oil. The U.S. claims that India committed to ending these purchases during discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, though Indian officials have denied any such promise.
Trump’s Statement from Air Force One
Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump said up to 50 percent, “I spoke with Prime Minister Modi and he said he’s not going to be doing the Russian oil thing.” He added that if India denies the conversation, “then they’ll just continue to pay massive tariffs, and they don’t want to do that.”
U.S. Tariffs Linked to Russian Crude Imports
The United States has already imposed tariffs on Indian imports, citing India’s continued imports of Russian crude, which Washington argues help fund Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Russia remains optimistic about its oil partnership with India. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak stated that energy ties between Moscow and New Delhi will persist despite the U.S. pressure.
Growing Friction Between Washington and New Delhi
The situation underscores growing friction between two key partners as India balances its energy security needs with escalating U.S. demands and tariff threats.
