Trump Threatens India With “Massive Tariffs” Over Russian Oil Imports
Former US President Donald Trump has warned India it will face “massive tariffs” if it continues purchasing Russian oil, while claiming he received personal assurances from Prime Minister Narendra Modi that such imports would stop.
Key Developments
- Trump threatens “massive tariffs” on India over Russian oil purchases
- Claims PM Modi personally assured him imports would stop
- India maintains position of “broad-basing” energy sources
- US already imposed 50% tariffs including 25% for Russian oil imports
Conflicting Statements on Oil Imports
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump stated: “India will continue to pay massive tariffs if they do not cease buying oil from Russia. They don’t want to do that.”
This came in response to India’s recent statement about “broad-basing and diversifying” its energy sourcing to meet market conditions, issued hours after Trump’s initial claims about Modi’s assurances.
Trump Dismisses India’s Official Position
The former president expressed disbelief at India’s official stance, stating: “But I don’t believe they said that. No, I spoke with Prime Minister Modi of India, and he said he’s not going to be doing the Russian oil thing.”
Background: US Tariffs and Diplomatic Strain
Washington maintains that India’s purchase of Russian crude helps finance Putin’s war efforts. The relationship has been under severe stress since Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50%, including a specific 25% additional duty targeting India’s Russian oil imports.
India has described these US actions as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable,” setting the stage for continued diplomatic tensions.
