Former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to India, threatening to significantly increase tariffs on Indian goods in retaliation for New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In a pointed post on Truth Social this Monday, Trump accused India of not only acquiring large quantities of Russian oil but also reselling it at substantial profits.
“They don’t care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” Trump stated.
This development follows closely on the heels of Trump’s earlier praise for Indian refineries, which was based on media reports indicating a halt in Russian oil purchases. However, these claims were swiftly dismissed by sources within the Indian government, who clarified that India’s energy procurement is determined by market dynamics and national interests.
“The government’s position was made clear yesterday. The country’s energy purchases are dictated by market forces and strategic national considerations. We have no reports suggesting Indian oil firms have suspended Russian imports,” an official source noted.
The Trump administration has already enacted a 25% tariff, along with other trade penalties, aimed at India’s imports to the U.S. This move took effect on August 1, with the White House citing India’s ongoing oil trade with Moscow and existing trade barriers as the rationale.
As Western pressure mounts to economically isolate Russia, India has stood by its long-standing ties with Moscow. Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), affirmed, “India and Russia share a steady and time-tested partnership. We are confident that the relationship will continue to progress, despite external challenges.”
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/international/story/trump-threatens-to-raise-tariff-hike-on-india-over-russian-oil-imports-1255996-2025-08-04?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-08-04 22:44:00
