US President Donald Trump on Monday issued a fresh warning to India, saying Washington could raise tariffs on New Delhi if it does not “help on the Russian oil issue,” explicitly linking the threat to the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war.
“We could raise tariffs on India if they don’t help on the Russian oil issue,” Trump was quoted as saying by Reuters. He added that Indian leaders were keen to keep him satisfied, praising Narendra Modi as “a very good man” who understood his displeasure. “They do trade, and we can raise tariffs on them very quickly,” Trump said.
The remarks refer to India’s continued purchases of Russian crude, a stance the Trump administration has repeatedly criticised. Trump has previously cited this trade as the basis for doubling tariffs on India to 50% in August 2025. India is already subject to that 50% duty, with Trump alleging that New Delhi’s energy ties with Moscow bolster Russia during the Ukraine war.
Trump has simultaneously sought to project himself as a mediator in the conflict, holding several rounds of talks with Vladimir Putin—including an invitation to Alaska—though without tangible outcomes. He has also spoken multiple times with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but those discussions have yet to yield a clear path to peace.
Earlier, Trump claimed that Prime Minister Modi had assured him India would stop buying Russian oil, calling it a “big step” to increase pressure on Moscow. India later rejected that assertion, stating that no such conversation between Trump and Modi had taken place.
