Washington, D.C. (Rajeev Sharma): U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday addressed reports that India may stop purchasing oil from Russia, calling it “a good step,” but noted that he was still awaiting confirmation. His comments came shortly after the United States imposed a 25 percent tariff and penalty on India, escalating trade tensions between the two nations.
“I understand that India is no longer going to be buying oil from Russia. That’s what I heard, I don’t know if that’s right or not,” Trump said while speaking to reporters. “That is a good step. We will see what happens…” he added when asked whether he had a specific figure in mind for penalties and whether he planned to speak with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The latest statement marks a softer tone from Trump compared to his earlier remarks this week when he criticized India’s trade practices and its ties with Moscow. “I don’t care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care,” Trump had said earlier. “We have done very little business with India; their tariffs are too high, among the highest in the world. Likewise, Russia and the USA do almost no business together. Let’s keep it that way, and tell Medvedev, the failed former President of Russia, who thinks he’s still President, to watch his words. He’s entering very dangerous territory!”
The imposition of tariffs by Washington comes amid growing friction over trade imbalances and India’s purchase of Russian crude oil, which has drawn scrutiny in the U.S. Despite Trump’s initial harsh tone, his latest comments suggest he may be open to reassessing the situation if New Delhi indeed cuts back on its energy ties with Moscow.
While the Indian government has not yet issued an official response to Trump’s remarks or the newly imposed tariffs, analysts say the situation could have significant implications for both trade relations and geopolitical alignments in the region.
For now, all eyes are on whether Washington and New Delhi will engage in high-level talks to de-escalate tensions or if the tariff standoff will further strain the partnership between the two nations.
