Trump threatens a higher tariff in India over Russian oil trade

US President Donald Trump on Monday threatened to significantly increase the tariff of Indian goods, accused New Delhi of getting a profit from the import of large-scale Russian oil in the middle of the war in Ukraine.

The warning had triggered a quick criticism from India, which said that the move could not be justified and promised to protect its national interests.

In a post that was distributed on the social platform of its truth, Trump criticized the sustainable Indian energy transaction with Moscow, accused that the country bought “large amounts of Russian oil” and sold it back to “large profits.”

“They don’t care how many people in Ukraine killed by a Russian war machine,” Trump wrote. “Therefore, I will substantially increase the tariff paid by India to the US.”

While Trump does not provide specific figures, the tariffs on Indian goods – which are set at 10 percent – have been scheduled to rise to 25 percent this weekend. His statement came only a few days before the potential Friday deadline he had set Moscow to show progress towards a peace agreement with Kyiv.

The Indian Foreign Ministry does not waste time in response. Spokesman Randhir Jaiswal rejected the threat of Trump’s tariff as baseless, stated, “India’s targeting cannot be justified and unreasonable. Like other major economies, India will take all the steps needed to protect national interests and economic security.”

India has emerged as a critical buyer of Russian crude oil discounts, especially after western sanctions after the 2022 invasion forced Russia to get out of the traditional European market. This shift allows India to save billions of dollars for energy imports, while also maintaining Russian oil revenue remains.

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Justifying its position, New Delhi explained that his turn to Russia’s supply was not in harmony with global norms but rather a necessity. “India began importing from Russia because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after conflict outbreaks,” said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Trump’s new pressure in India coincides with increasing diplomatic activity. The US special delegation Steve Witkoff is expected to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin this week as part of a sustainable effort to mediate peaceful settlement.

Although not export giant, India maintains vital trade relations with the United States, which is the largest trading partner. The latest tariff threat, however, is at risk of stiffening the relationship during geopolitical tension and alliance shift.