Trump Warns India of Heavy Tariffs if Russian Oil Imports Continue, Modi Denies Such Promises

International News:  US President Donald Trump once again raised concerns over India’s energy trade with Russia. Speaking at the Oval Office, he said if India continued to import Russian oil, it would face heavy tariffs. Trump claimed Prime Minister Narendra Modi had personally assured him that India would stop buying Russian oil. His remarks brought tension into the growing trade relationship between Washington and New Delhi.

Modi Allegedly Made Promise

Trump told reporters that Modi had given him a direct assurance about halting oil purchases from Russia. He insisted that ignoring this would bring serious consequences. According to Trump, India currently sources nearly one-third of its crude imports from Russia. The Trump administration believes this trade helps Moscow finance its military operations in Ukraine. For Washington, this energy link is seen as indirect support for Russia’s war.

India Rejects Trump’s Claim

India strongly denied the statements made by Trump. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified in a press briefing that there was no such recent discussion between Modi and Trump. He stressed that India and the US do hold talks on energy cooperation, but no commitment was ever made to stop Russian oil. India reiterated that its oil policy is guided by national interest, not foreign political pressure.

Pressure of Tariffs

Trump signaled that if India ignored his warning, tariffs on Indian goods could be increased further. He reminded that tariffs on Indian pharmaceuticals and textiles had already been raised by nearly 50%. According to Trump, these duties will remain unless India halts Russian oil trade. His statement highlighted America’s willingness to use trade tools as leverage in geopolitical disputes.

India’s Strategic Explanation

Meanwhile, India defended its purchases from Russia by emphasizing strategic and economic reasons. Officials from the Energy Ministry explained that Russian oil is supplied at discounted rates, which benefits India’s economy. At present, Russia is India’s largest oil supplier. India maintains that diversifying sources ensures stability and affordability in its energy sector. This approach is seen as essential for the country’s development.

Oil Trade as National Interest

India has stressed that energy security cannot be dictated by political conditions. Buying oil from multiple global suppliers, including Russia, helps protect national interests. Experts argue that affordable energy is crucial for India’s large population and industrial growth. Rejecting Trump’s claims, India underlined that foreign pressure will not decide its energy strategy. Instead, policy will always prioritize citizens’ welfare and economic needs.

Future of Trade Ties

The dispute now raises questions about the future of India-US trade relations. If Washington continues to threaten tariffs, it could impact key sectors of cooperation. However, India appears determined to pursue its independent oil strategy. The coming months will reveal whether this dispute escalates into a trade conflict or finds a middle ground. The balance between strategic autonomy and partnership with the US remains delicate.