WASHINGTON, D.C (Rajeev Sharma): The US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to India, saying trade penalties on Indian exports will remain unless the country halts its import of Russian crude oil.
During an informal press briefing aboard his aircraft, Trump claimed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had given personal assurances that India would disengage from purchasing Russian energy.
“Prime Minister Modi told me directly — they’re done with Russian oil,” Trump said. “But if that turns out not to be the case, India can expect to keep paying enormous tariffs. That’s their choice.”
Trump did not provide specifics about when this alleged conversation occurred. In response, India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated it was unaware of any recent call between the two leaders, adding that energy procurement decisions are guided by domestic priorities and consumer interests.
India has been one of the largest buyers of Russian oil since 2022, when Moscow faced widespread sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine. With Western countries boycotting Russian crude, India ramped up purchases, benefiting from steep discounts.
The former U.S. president has frequently criticized such purchases, arguing that proceeds from oil sales help fund Russia’s war machine. He has tied India’s energy trade with Russia to the continuation of high tariffs on a wide range of Indian exports, including steel, textiles, and electronics.
While some U.S. officials recently claimed that India has scaled back its Russian oil intake by as much as 50%, Indian energy sources reported no noticeable change in import volumes.
Despite political pressure, New Delhi has repeatedly stated that it must secure affordable fuel to support its vast population and growing economy. Officials have also emphasized that India complies with all international laws and is not party to the sanctions regime led by Western nations.
Trump’s latest remarks suggest that trade tensions between the U.S. and India could intensify again if he returns to the presidency in 2025. During his previous administration, Trump often used tariffs as leverage in foreign policy, particularly in disputes over energy, defense, and trade practices.
With the 2024 election behind him and a possible second term on the horizon, Trump appears ready to revive his combative approach to international trade — with India’s oil strategy now in the crosshairs.
