Trump Renews Tariff Threats Over India’s Russian Oil Imports; New Delhi Pushes Back

U.S. President Donald Trump has once again escalated trade tensions with India, warning of steep tariff hikes over its continued purchase of Russian oil. In a social media post, Trump accused India of profiting from Russian crude while ignoring the human toll of the Ukraine conflict.

“India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits,” Trump posted on Truth Social, adding that he will “substantially” raise tariffs on Indian goods entering the U.S.

India swiftly denounced the statement, calling the targeting “unjustified and unreasonable.” A spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs said India would take “all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.”

The trade standoff comes amid broader geopolitical frictions, with the U.S. preparing to impose additional sanctions on Russia and potentially on nations that continue to buy its energy exports. Trump has set a Friday deadline for Moscow to begin steps toward ending its war in Ukraine, now in its fourth year, or face new punitive measures.

The Indian government argues that its oil purchases are driven by economic necessity. “India’s imports are meant to ensure predictable and affordable energy costs to the Indian consumer. They are a necessity compelled by the global market situation,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

In July, Trump had already imposed a blanket 25% tariff on Indian imports, citing trade imbalances and geopolitical concerns. Talks toward a U.S.-India trade agreement have since stalled. – News Agency