‘Could Raise Tariffs On India’: Trump Issues Fresh Warning Over New Delhi’s Russian Oil Trade
Trump’s warning on tariffs has injected new uncertainty into India US trade ties as New Delhi continues large scale Russian oil purchases while defending its national interest. Image courtesy: RNA
US President Donald Trump has warned that Washington could raise tariffs on Indian goods if New Delhi continues large-scale purchases of Russian oil, injecting fresh uncertainty into India–US trade ties even as the strategic partnership deepens across defence and technology.
What did Trump warn India of and why?
In remarks aimed at underscoring his hardline trade and sanctions approach, Trump said countries doing significant business with Moscow could face economic consequences from the United States.
While not announcing any immediate action, the warning places India — now one of the biggest buyers of discounted Russian crude — squarely in the spotlight should Trump return to the White House.
How has India defended its oil imports from Russia?
India has consistently defended its energy choices, arguing that crude purchases are driven by national interest and the need to shield its economy from global price shocks.
Since the Ukraine conflict disrupted energy markets, New Delhi has sharply increased imports from Russia, often at discounted rates, helping to keep domestic fuel prices stable.
How has India pointed fingers at US double standards?
Indian officials have also pointed out that Europe continued buying Russian energy for months after the war began, while India’s per capita energy consumption remains far lower than that of Western nations.
The Biden administration, in contrast, had adopted a more calibrated approach toward India’s Russian oil trade. While urging partners to reduce dependence on Moscow, Washington had then largely avoided punitive measures against New Delhi, prioritising strategic alignment in the Indo-Pacific, defence cooperation, and supply-chain resilience.
Why is India important in the Indo-Pacific?
India today is a key partner in frameworks such as the Quad and a major buyer of US defence platforms.
Trump’s warning nevertheless revives memories of his earlier presidency, when India faced the loss of preferential trade benefits under the Generalized System of Preferences and frequent tariff threats over market access issues.
How could any new tariff impact India?
Any renewed tariff push could impact Indian exports ranging from pharmaceuticals and textiles to engineering goods, even as bilateral trade crosses $190 billion annually.
For New Delhi, the remarks highlight the delicate balancing act between strategic autonomy, energy security, and managing ties with Washington, especially with a potentially more transactional US administration on the horizon.
