‘Could raise tariffs on India’: Trump issues fresh warning over Russian oil trade

US President Donald Trump on Monday warned that Washington could raise tariffs on Indian imports if New Delhi does not cooperate on what he called the “Russian oil issue,” according to remarks cited by Reuters. He also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the address, calling him a “good guy” who was aware of Trump’s dissatisfaction.

“India wanted to make me happy. Modi is a very good guy and he knew I was not happy. And it was important to make me happy. We can raise tariffs on them very quickly,” Trump was heard saying in an audio recording of his comments to reporters.

Trump was referring to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, a practice his administration has long opposed. The issue was cited as the reason behind Washington’s decision to double tariffs on Indian imports to 50% in August 2025. “We could raise tariffs on India if they don’t help on the Russian oil issue,” Trump said.

The remarks were made during a briefing on the US government’s next steps following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Oil has also featured prominently in Washington’s recent actions against the South American nation.

Trump’s warning comes amid ongoing trade negotiations between India and the United States and signals the possibility of renewed friction in bilateral ties.

The comments also revive an earlier dispute over Russian oil. In October, weeks after the higher tariffs took effect, Trump claimed that Prime Minister Modi had “assured” him India would stop buying Russian oil. “There will be no oil. He’s not buying oil,” Trump had said at the time. India later denied that any such conversation had taken place.

New Delhi has consistently maintained that its energy procurement decisions are guided by market conditions and the needs of Indian consumers, even as the Trump administration continues to press India over its oil trade with Moscow.

Trump’s latest remarks could add fresh strain to India-US relations, which briefly appeared to stabilise after the tariff hike. Trump had said he would “always be friends” with Modi and spoke of a “special relationship” between the two countries, sentiments that Modi publicly welcomed.

Russia remains India’s largest oil supplier. US officials have repeatedly argued that Moscow uses revenues from oil sales to fund its war in Ukraine and have accused India of profiting from discounted crude, including through resale. Trump’s decision to impose steep tariffs on India was widely seen as part of a broader effort to pressure Russia to end its military offensive in Ukraine.