Trump Threatens Higher Tariffs on India Over Russian Oil Trade
WASHINGTON – Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced Monday he intends to considerably increase tariffs on Indian imports, citing India’s continued purchase of Russian oil as a key funding source for Russia’s war in Ukraine. The move escalates tensions between the two nations and introduces further uncertainty into global trade dynamics.
In a post on his social media platform, Truth social, Trump accused India of profiting from the resale of Russian oil on the global market, alleging a disregard for the human cost of the conflict in ukraine. “India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian oil,they are then,for much of the oil purchased,selling it on the open market for big profits. They don’t care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian war machine,” he stated.
While Trump did not specify the exact percentage of the proposed tariff increase, the proclamation follows a previous pledge to impose a 25% tariff on all goods imported from India, alongside an unspecified penalty. he indicated that ongoing trade negotiations with India have stalled due to “geopolitical disagreements.”
Despite the threats,Indian government sources,speaking on condition of anonymity,confirmed to Reuters that India will continue to procure oil from Russia. This stance was formally reinforced Monday, with India’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, dismissing criticism from the U.S. and European Union as “unjustified and unreasonable.”
Jaiswal emphasized India’s commitment to safeguarding its national interests and economic security,asserting that oil imports are “a necessity compelled by the global market situation.” He pointed out that India increased its reliance on Russian oil after traditional supply routes were redirected to Europe following the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict, and noted the continued trade between Western nations and Russia, questioning the selective criticism.
Trump’s escalating rhetoric extends beyond oil imports, with recent criticism directed at India’s membership in the BRICS economic bloc, which he characterizes as unfriendly to U.S. interests. India has refuted this claim, maintaining that BRICS serves the interests of developing nations. Further friction exists over Trump’s repeated claims of credit for the India-Pakistan ceasefire brokered in May, a claim India disputes, asserting its preference for bilateral resolution of disputes with Pakistan.
This increased pressure on India comes as Trump has also signaled potential new sanctions against Moscow if no progress is made towards a peace deal with Kyiv by the end of the week. Negotiations between Moscow and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff are anticipated this week, raising the stakes in the ongoing geopolitical standoff.
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