Saira Imran U.S. President Donald Trump warned India that if it continues buying Russian oil, the U.S. will impose heavy tariffs. Trump claimed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally assured him that India would stop buying oil from Russia. However, if India does not act, Trump said it will face “massive” tariffs.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said, “Modi told me, ‘We will not buy Russian oil.’ But if India continues to buy oil, it will have to pay big tariffs.”
When India denied having such a discussion, Trump replied, “If India wants to deny it, then it will pay heavy tariffs — and they won’t like that.”
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Trump’s latest comments followed an earlier statement at the Oval Office, where he said Modi had promised to halt Russian oil purchases. He added that nearly one-third of India’s oil supply comes from Russia, which indirectly supports Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The U.S. has been pressuring countries to end energy ties with Russia, arguing that oil purchases help fund President Putin’s military operations.
In response, India’s Ministry of External Affairs rejected Trump’s claims. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India continues to cooperate with the U.S. in the energy sector but did not confirm any such talk with Trump.
Trump’s warning comes as India already faces high U.S. tariffs — up to 50% — on key exports such as textiles and pharmaceuticals. Trump said these tariffs could remain or even increase if India keeps buying Russian crude oil.
In recent years, Russia has become India’s biggest oil supplier, fulfilling nearly a third of its energy needs. India maintains that buying Russian oil is essential for energy security, especially since it is sold at lower prices.
India repeatedly states that purchasing oil from Russia serves its national interest, not political motives. It plans to continue sourcing oil globally to ensure stable energy supplies.
The Trump warning to India over Russian oil purchase shows growing U.S. pressure on countries maintaining trade with Russia. India insists its decisions are based on economic need, not politics.
