United States President Donald Trump says that Washington could raise duties on New Delhi, giving a fresh warning to India, directly linking the threat to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. He quoted, “We could raise tariffs on India if they don”t have help on Russian oil issue”.
Donald Trump added, “They wanted to make me happy, basically. PM Narendra Modi’s a very good man. He’s a good guy. He knew I was not happy. It was important to make me happy. They do trade, and we can raise tariffs on them very quickly…”
Trump was referring to India’s continued oil trade with Russia, which his administration opposes, and he cited it as the basis for doubling tariffs on India to 50% in August 2025.
India is already struggling with a 50 per cent tariff imposed by the US, which has been sharply critical of the ties with Moscow. It has been alleged that India is strengthening Russia in the Ukraine war by purchasing crude oil. Donald Trump has been upset with India’s purchase of Russian oil, which is why he imposed heavy tariffs on India, seeking to position himself as a mediator between Moscow and Kyiv.
He has held numerous meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, even inviting him to Alaska, but the outcomes have never been meaningful. Trump also arranged a meeting with the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but those conversations never led to a path of peace.
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Several months ago, Trump claimed that Modi assured him that India would stop purchasing Russian oil. However, Later, India clarified that no such conversation between Trump and Modi had taken place, dismissing the US president’s claim.
