Trump Admits Tariffs on Indian Oil Imports from Russia Have Strained Ties with New Delhi
US President Donald Trump has publicly acknowledged that his administration’s decision to impose steep tariffs on India—primarily over its continued oil trade with Russia—has created visible strains in the otherwise close US-India relationship.
In an interview with Fox News on Friday, Trump said the move was necessary but difficult. India was Russia’s biggest customer. I put a 50% tariff on India because they’re buying oil from Russia. That’s not an easy thing to do. That’s a big deal. And it causes a rift with India,” he remarked.
The duties were initially introduced at 25%, but the administration doubled them to 50% from August 27. Half of the tariff was structured as a reciprocal levy against Indian trade barriers, while the other half specifically targeted New Delhi’s continued energy imports from Moscow despite Western sanctions.
According to reports, bilateral talks to roll back tariffs have stalled. Washington has repeatedly pressed New Delhi to open up its agricultural and dairy markets, while India—now the world’s fifth-largest economy with annual bilateral trade crossing $190 billion—has firmly resisted.
Despite tensions, Trump has suggested that efforts to bridge differences are ongoing. He indicated that he would soon speak with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, adding that negotiations aimed at lowering trade barriers have not been abandoned.
Sergio Gor, Trump’s nominee for ambassador to India and special envoy for South Asia, struck a more optimistic tone.
He argued that the tariff dispute had not derailed the partnership, and progress was possible when India’s commerce minister visits Washington next week.
“We are not that far apart right now,” Gor said, emphasizing that India is a valued strategic partner. “We hold our friends to different standards,” he noted, stressing that keeping India aligned with the US was a top priority.
Interestingly, Gor highlighted that Trump, who has often publicly sparred with other world leaders, has been careful not to directly criticize Modi, signaling the importance the White House places on personal rapport between the two leaders.
In the same Fox appearance, Trump also turned his attention to Russia. While reiterating that his patience with President Vladimir Putin was “running out fast”, he stopped short of unveiling fresh sanctions.
He warned, however, that additional punitive measures against Russian banks and oil could be considered if European allies joined in a coordinated move. “We’re going to have to come down very, very strong,” Trump said, leaving the door open for escalation.
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