US President Donald Trump has once again warned India that the United States could increase tariffs on Indian goods if New Delhi does not address concerns over its imports of Russian oil. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said the US could act “very quickly” if India does not cooperate, highlighting energy trade with Russia as a major point of tension.
Despite the warning, Trump praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him “a very good man” and noting that Modi “knew I was not happy” with India’s stance on Russian crude. Trump said India had tried to accommodate Washington but stressed that the US may still resort to raising tariffs if its concerns are not addressed.
The remarks come at a sensitive time in US‑India relations. Both countries have been engaged in trade talks to resolve disputes and maintain strong bilateral economic ties. The tariff threat follows previous rounds of tensions, including a 2025 decision by the US to double tariffs on Indian imports, partly over continued purchases of Russian oil.
The focus on Russian oil comes amid the ongoing Russia‑Ukraine conflict. The US has expressed concern that India’s purchases of discounted Russian crude undermine Western sanctions and policy objectives. India, however, argues that its imports are driven by domestic energy needs and market considerations rather than geopolitical alignment.
To increase transparency, the Indian government has asked refiners to submit weekly data on Russian and US oil imports. This move is seen as part of India’s efforts to address US concerns and facilitate a trade agreement with Washington.
Experts say Trump’s comments reflect the delicate balance in US‑India relations. While both countries cooperate on strategic issues, trade and energy policies remain points of friction. Analysts note that any escalation, such as higher tariffs, could affect India’s economy and global trade dynamics.
The US‑India relationship continues to navigate this complex mix of cooperation and contention, with energy imports, trade tariffs, and geopolitical considerations shaping the dialogue between Washington and New Delhi.
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