President Trump of the United States has once again issued a stern warning about raising tariffs on Indian imports. In a public address, President Trump declared that should New Delhi not assist with the 'Russian oil issue,' tariffs on Indian imports might be increased. Following this declaration, Congress has targeted the central government with criticism.
Through a post on X, Congress quoted Trump's statements and questioned the Modi government's stance. The post noted, 'India reduced its oil purchases from Russia because Modi wants to keep me happy. He knows I'm dissatisfied and that appeasing me is crucial. If my words are not heeded, I'll promptly escalate tariffs, which will harm them - Trump.'
Congress further remarked, according to Trump, Modi ceased purchasing oil from Russia due to tariff pressure from the United States on India.
Congress sharply questioned the central government with five inquiries, including if the Modi administration's foreign policy is dictated by the United States and if oil purchasing from Russia stopped solely to please Trump. Congress asked why Prime Minister Modi remains silent on this issue.
In another post, Congress quoted U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, stating, 'I was at the Indian ambassador's residence a month ago, and all they wanted to discuss was how India is buying less Russian oil. They wished for me to convey this to President Trump to advocate for tariff reductions.'
Targeting the issue, Congress sarcastically remarked, 'To please Trump, Narendra Modi stopped purchasing oil from our evergreen friend, Russia. Why is Modi harming the nation for public relations and to satisfy Trump?'
Regarding India's Russian oil imports, President Trump stated, 'They genuinely wanted to please me. PM Modi is a great guy. He's a good man. He was aware of my discontent. Pleasing me was essential. We might swiftly hike tariffs on them.' Trump was discussing India's oil trade with Russia, a trading relationship his administration has opposed for an extended period.
This tension regarding India-Russia energy relations has resurfaced due to these remarks, following Trump's earlier claims that Prime Minister Modi had 'assured' him India's halt on Russian oil purchases. New Delhi had previously refuted these assertions, stating no such discussion occurred between Trump and Modi. Russia remains India's largest oil supplier. Several Trump administration officials have accused Russia of utilizing the oil trade profits to further the war in Ukraine, with allegations that India resells this oil for profit, 'earning billions.' Trump's significant tariff imposition on India is largely viewed as a maneuver to pressure Putin.
