Subtitle:
Just days after imposing 25% duty, former U.S. President signals even steeper trade penalties if India continues buying discounted Russian oil
News Report:
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that tariffs on Indian imports could be “substantially raised” if New Delhi continues to deepen its energy ties with Moscow, particularly by purchasing discounted Russian oil. The statement comes just days after Trump’s team imposed a 25% duty on select Indian goods, triggering concerns about escalating trade tensions between the two countries.
In a strongly worded remark made during a press interaction, Trump accused India of “funding the wrong side” by maintaining steady oil imports from Russia despite global sanctions and western efforts to isolate the Kremlin.
“We’re not going to reward countries that are helping our enemies,” Trump said. “If India wants access to our market, it has to make choices aligned with our security interests.”
The threat of further tariff hikes is likely to strain U.S.-India relations at a time when both countries are navigating a complex web of economic and strategic partnerships. India, which has consistently defended its right to secure affordable energy for its population, maintains that its oil imports from Russia are based on national interest and are not in violation of any international norms.
Officials in New Delhi have yet to issue a formal response, but sources suggest the government is closely monitoring the situation and weighing its options. Analysts say that a sharp rise in tariffs could affect Indian exports in key sectors such as textiles, engineering goods, and pharmaceuticals — all of which enjoy a strong market presence in the United States.
This latest warning from Trump comes amid a broader shift in U.S. trade posture under his influence, as he continues to advocate for aggressive tariffs and bilateral deal-making. While current U.S. President Joe Biden has not endorsed Trump’s remarks, the potential for future policy shifts remains a source of uncertainty.
India is expected to raise the issue diplomatically and possibly seek discussions with U.S. officials to prevent further escalation. For now, Trump’s statement serves as a signal that economic diplomacy between the two democracies could be entering a more turbulent phase.