On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump declared that if New Delhi doesn't aid in resolving the 'Russian oil issue,' existing tariffs on Indian imports could be increased. According to agencies, Trump delivered this statement during a public address.
Regarding India's Russian oil imports, Trump commented, "They truly desired to please me. PM Modi is a very good man. He is a good person. He knew I wasn't happy. It was crucial to make me happy. We can swiftly increase tariffs on them."
Trump's remarks focused on India's oil trade with Russia, an arrangement his administration has opposed for a long time. In August 2025, it was suggested that the tariff on India would double to 50% due to the oil trade with Russia.
Source: aajtak
His statements have reignited tensions over India's energy relations with Russia, coming months after Trump's assertion that PM Narendra Modi 'assured' him India would stop purchasing Russian oil.
New Delhi previously refuted this claim, insisting that no such discussion occurred between Trump and Modi.
Read more: Tariffs and the US: Will Trump Fulfill the $2000 Per American Promise?
Russia: A Leading Supplier of Oil to India
Russia is India’s largest oil supplier. Several officials of the Trump administration have alleged that profits from this oil trade fuel the war in Ukraine, and India is accused of reselling the oil to make 'significant profits' and earning 'billions.'
Trump's imposition of heavy tariffs on India has largely been seen as a tactic to apply pressure on Putin.
