Trump Issues Stern Tariff Warning to India Over Russian Oil Purchases

Tensions rise as Trump criticizes India's continued Russian oil imports while facing a backlash from Delhi for perceived hypocrisy in U.S. trade practices.

Former President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to India regarding its ongoing purchases of oil from Russia, pledging to impose "substantial" tariffs if the trend continues. In a recent message shared on his Truth Social platform, Trump accused India of disregarding the human cost of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, stating that "they [India] don't care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine."

India has become a significant buyer of Russian oil, filling a vital gap left by European countries that curtailed trade following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. While Trump did not disclose the specific tariff rates, his announcement followed closely behind his previous declaration of a 25% tariff on Indian goods.

In response, India's Foreign Ministry has termed Trump's remarks as "unjustified and unreasonable," underscoring that the U.S. once encouraged India to purchase Russian gas to help stabilize global energy markets at the conflict's outset. Spokesman Randhir Jaiswal highlighted that India expanded its imports due to traditional supply routes being redirected to Europe amidst the conflict.

Critics argue that the U.S. has its own inconsistencies, continuing trade with Russia despite imposing sanctions, with trade valued at approximately $3.5 billion last year. The Indian government maintains that it will prioritize national interests and economic security, regardless of external pressures.

In past comments, Trump labeled India as a "friend" while simultaneously criticizing the nation's tariffs on American products. His latest assertions, however, paint a more contentious picture, claiming that India not only imports substantial Russian oil but also profits from reselling some of it on the global market.

Bloomberg reported that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not directed oil refineries to cease purchases from Russia, indicating a continued reliance on Russian crude amid fluctuating global markets. Ajay Srivastava, a former trade official, has contested Trump's narrative, asserting that India's oil transactions are transparent and made independently by refineries based on supply stability and pricing.

Relations between the U.S. and Russia have shifted significantly, with Trump adopting a more aggressive stance towards Putin in recent statements. He raised doubts over Putin's sincerity regarding peace in Ukraine and threatened punitive measures against Russia's oil exports should a ceasefire not be sought by August 8.

In the backdrop, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to visit Moscow for discussions, highlighting ongoing diplomatic efforts amidst rising tensions. As this story unfolds, the implications of Trump’s tariffs and their potential impact on U.S.-India relations remain to be seen.