Trump Issues Fresh Warning to India Over Russian Oil Purchases
US President Donald Trump has warned India it will face “massive tariffs” if it continues purchasing Russian oil, while claiming Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured him India would stop these imports soon.
Key Developments
- Trump warns India faces continued “massive tariffs” for Russian oil purchases
- President claims PM Modi assured him India would stop Russian oil imports
- India denies any such conversation occurred between leaders
- Russia remains India’s largest oil supplier despite 10% import reduction
Trump’s Assertions and Tariff Threat
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump reiterated his claim about Modi’s assurance. “I spoke with Prime Minister Modi of India, and he said he’s not going to be doing the Russian oil thing,” Trump stated. “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 marks the third time Trump has made this assertion. The Republican president has imposed 25% tariffs on India for procuring Russian oil, bringing total duties to 50%.
India’s Official Response
India has categorically denied Trump’s claims. The Ministry of External Affairs stated it is “unaware of any conversation” between PM Modi and Trump regarding Russian oil purchases.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized India’s energy policy priorities: “Ensuring stable energy prices and secured supplies have been the twin goals of our energy policy.”
Russia’s Dominance in Indian Oil Market
Russia has become India’s largest oil supplier since the Ukraine war began, accounting for 34% of India’s total crude imports according to data from Kpler, a Belgian commodities tracker.
Despite a 10% reduction in imports from Russia compared to January, Russia supplied 4.5 million barrels of oil daily to India in September, maintaining its position as New Delhi’s primary supplier.
