Trump Warns India of More Tariffs Amid Russian Oil Trade

Washington: US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States could raise tariffs on India ‘very quickly’ if New Delhi does not further cut its purchases of Russian oil, tying the threat to efforts to pressure Moscow over the Ukraine war. Speaking aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was aware of Washington’s concerns and claimed US pressure had already pushed India to reduce its Russian oil imports.

“They wanted to make me happy, basically. Modi is a very good man; he is a good guy. He knew I was not happy and it was important to make me happy. They do trade and we can raise tariffs on them very quickly. It would be very bad for them,” Trump said.

Trump’s remarks followed comments by Senator Lindsey Graham, who said US tariffs were the main reason India was buying less Russian crude. India is already facing duties of up to 50 per cent.