Subtitle:
Rising geopolitical tensions as Trump targets India’s energy ties with Russia; Moscow calls out U.S. trade threats
News Report:
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has sparked fresh global tensions by vowing to increase tariff rates on Indian imports in response to India’s continued purchase of discounted oil from Russia. The warning, issued during a campaign-style appearance, comes just days after a 25% tariff was announced on a wide range of Indian goods — with Trump now signaling that steeper penalties could follow.
“If India wants access to our markets, it has to stop supporting our adversaries,” Trump said. “Buying oil from Russia at a time like this sends the wrong message to the world. We won’t tolerate it.”
The comments quickly drew a sharp rebuke from the Kremlin. In a statement issued hours after Trump’s remarks, Russian officials called the threatened tariffs “completely illegal” and accused the U.S. of trying to weaponize trade to serve its geopolitical interests.
“India is free to make sovereign decisions about its energy needs,” said a spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry. “Any attempt to punish a third country for doing business with us is a violation of international trade norms.”
India, for its part, has remained largely silent on the latest threat, but sources suggest the government is assessing potential economic impacts and preparing a measured response. Indian officials have consistently defended oil imports from Russia as a matter of national interest and energy security.
Economists warn that the escalation could harm key Indian export sectors such as pharmaceuticals, apparel, and machinery, which rely heavily on access to the U.S. market. It also raises concerns over the potential ripple effects for U.S.-India relations, which have deepened in recent years across defense, technology, and trade.
Analysts see the move as part of Trump’s broader push for aggressive trade nationalism as he eyes another term in office. His stance adds further strain to the global trading system, already under pressure from inflation, supply chain disruptions, and international conflicts.
As diplomatic channels remain open, all eyes are now on New Delhi to see whether it will bow to American pressure or double down on its energy ties with Moscow. Either way, Trump’s threat has added a new layer of uncertainty to the already fragile global trade landscape.