U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a firm warning that India will continue to face “massive” tariffs unless it stops importing crude oil from Russia. He claims India’s purchases indirectly fund Russia’s war in Ukraine. Trump reiterated his disputed claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured him India would halt Russian oil imports.
The U.S. has imposed tariffs of up to 50% on certain Indian goods since August 2025, tied to India’s energy trade with Russia. India maintains its oil imports are essential for national energy security and rejects Trump’s narrative, describing the tariffs as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable”.
Trump’s Renewed Tariff Threat
Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump emphasised that unless India stops buying Russian oil, the country will continue to pay heavy tariffs on its exports to the United States. He asserted, “I spoke with Prime Minister Modi of India, and he said he’s not going to be doing the Russian oil thing,” although India has publicly denied any such conversation.
When asked about India’s official stance denying knowledge of this promise, Trump responded, “But if they want to say that, then they’ll just continue to pay massive tariffs, and they don’t want to do that.” The tariffs, reaching up to 50%, include an additional 25% duty specifically linked to Indian purchases of Russian crude oil, signaling Washington’s intent to use economic pressure to change New Delhi’s stance.
Context of India-U.S. Trade Tensions
India has been a significant buyer of Russian crude oil at discounted prices since sanctions on Russia were imposed by Western countries following its invasion of Ukraine. Despite U.S. objections, India argues its oil imports are vital for sustaining its large and growing economy, prioritising energy security.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has stated that Delhi is “broad-basing and diversifying” its energy sources, reflecting pragmatism amid global market changes. Meanwhile, the tariff escalation has strained India-U.S. relations, with New Delhi condemning Washington’s tariffs as unfair and disruptive to bilateral trade.
Beyond the Tariffs: Ceasefire Claims and Diplomatic Controversy
In another controversial claim, Trump reiterated that his threat of tariffs had helped settle a ceasefire between India and Pakistan following border conflicts, asserting that multiple planes were shot down during the escalations. Trump credited himself with brokering peace, stating that imposing 200% tariffs forced both nuclear-armed neighbours to halt hostilities.
India, however, maintains that the cessation of hostilities was reached through direct military dialogues and not through external pressure. These claims have added to the complex dynamics between India and the U.S. as both manage divergent views on geopolitical and trade matters.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Diplomatic disagreements on trade and security must be navigated with mutual respect and understanding. Economic sanctions, while political tools, should not undermine essential energy access nor bilateral goodwill that nurtures global cooperation.
India’s right to energy security and economic development is legitimate, as is the global community’s concern regarding the war in Ukraine. Constructive engagement and transparent dialogue, rather than punitive tariffs and unilateral claims, are likely to yield more sustainable solutions.
