Washington (Rajeev Sharma): Former US President Donald Trump has again signalled that India’s growing energy trade with Russia could invite economic consequences, warning that higher tariffs remain an option if New Delhi continues importing Russian crude. Trump suggested that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was fully aware of his concerns on the issue.
Speaking to the media while returning to Washington aboard Air Force One, Trump said he shared a cordial relationship with the Indian leader but made it clear that displeasure over Russia-related trade had been communicated. He remarked that trade policies could be adjusted quickly, indicating that tariff measures would not face procedural delays if he chose to act.
The statement comes at a time when oil has re-emerged as a key driver of international politics. Recent US military action linked to Venezuela has once again highlighted the strategic importance of energy supplies. Despite holding the world’s largest proven oil reserves—estimated at over 300 billion barrels—Venezuela’s output has dropped dramatically. Sanctions and years of limited investment have reduced daily production to about one million barrels, far below its potential, according to industry assessments and OPEC figures.
Within this broader global context, India’s energy purchases from Russia have attracted increasing scrutiny in Washington. Since the onset of the Ukraine conflict, India has expanded its intake of Russian oil, benefiting from discounted prices. Indian authorities have consistently defended the policy, stating that securing affordable energy is vital for the country’s economic stability and consumer welfare.
Trump’s warning also follows recent diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Washington. A phone conversation between Trump and Modi earlier this month focused on keeping bilateral trade relations steady despite unresolved tariff disputes. That exchange coincided with the beginning of another round of negotiations between officials from both sides, aimed at addressing long-standing trade disagreements.
Trade frictions, however, remain unresolved. Just days before the call with Modi, Trump had threatened to levy new duties on rice imports from India. The warning came after a US farmer representative alleged at a White House roundtable that countries such as India, China and Thailand were undermining American producers through unfair pricing practices.
Trump’s latest remarks underline how energy policy, geopolitics and trade are becoming increasingly interconnected. While India and the United States continue to describe their relationship as strategic, the former president’s comments suggest that economic pressure—particularly through tariffs—could play a larger role in shaping future policy choices if disagreements over oil and trade persist.
