Trump Warns of Swift Tariff Action Over India’s Russian Oil Purchases

Remarks Highlight Trade Pressure and Energy Disputes​

US President Donald Trump has indicated that Washington could move quickly to raise tariffs on India, linking the warning to New Delhi’s purchases of Russian oil. Speaking to reporters on Sunday aboard Air Force One while returning to Washington DC from Florida, Trump said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was aware of his dissatisfaction on the issue.

Trump described Modi in positive terms but underlined that trade tools remain available. He said India wanted to maintain goodwill with Washington, adding that tariffs could be raised very quickly and that such a move would be damaging for New Delhi.

Tariffs and Russian Oil in Focus​

The comments followed remarks by US Senator Lindsey Graham, who was travelling with Trump. Graham said the tariffs imposed by the US were the main reason India is now purchasing substantially less Russian oil. He also referred to his proposed legislation that seeks to impose steep levies on imports from countries that continue to buy Russian oil.

According to Graham, increasing pressure on Russia’s major customers is critical to pushing an end to the Russia Ukraine conflict. Trump echoed this line, saying existing sanctions are already hurting Russia significantly, before turning the focus to India’s role in the energy trade.

Diplomatic Outreach and Trade Signals​

Graham also recounted a recent interaction at the Indian Ambassador’s residence, where discussions centred on India’s reduced purchases of Russian oil and a request for relief from US tariffs. He said the tariff issue dominated the conversation, highlighting the sensitivity of trade measures in ongoing diplomatic engagement.

The latest comments underline the growing use of tariffs as leverage in US foreign and trade policy, particularly in matters linked to energy security and geopolitical conflicts.