Trump Threatens India with Tariffs Over Russian Oil Deals

New Delhi Cites ‘Double Standards’ Amidst Rising Tensions

Former President Donald Trump has signaled a significant escalation in trade tensions, vowing to substantially increase tariffs on India. The move is reportedly a response to India’s continued oil imports from Russia, a stance that has drawn criticism from the United States and its allies amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

India Strikes Back at Tariff Threat

In a firm rebuttal, India has pushed back against the tariff threat, characterizing **Trump’s** proposal as “unjustified and unreasonable.” Officials in New Delhi pointed out what they perceive as a hypocritical approach, noting that the U.S. itself has increased oil imports from Russia. This accusation highlights a growing frustration in India over perceived double standards in international energy policy.

“Indulging in trade with Russia themselves.”

—Indian Official, Countering US Tariff Threat

India’s response underscores a complex geopolitical landscape where energy security and economic partnerships are being weighed against international sanctions. The nation has been actively seeking more affordable energy sources, particularly following global market disruptions. For instance, India’s crude oil imports from Russia surged by over 30% in the first half of 2023 compared to the previous year, illustrating the economic incentives at play (Reuters, July 2023).

Echoes of Past Trade Disputes

This confrontation revisits a pattern of trade friction between the two nations. During **Trump’s** presidency, the U.S. had already imposed and threatened further tariffs on Indian goods, citing trade imbalances and market access issues. **Trump’s** latest statement suggests a potential return to such policies, directly linking India’s energy procurement choices to its trade relationship with the United States.

New Delhi’s argument is that the U.S. itself encouraged oil imports during the Ukraine war, benefiting from lower prices while now targeting India. This perspective frames the situation as an attempt to dictate India’s foreign policy and economic decisions through punitive trade measures, rather than a neutral application of international pressure.