US President Donald Trump issued a fresh warning to India over its continued imports of Russian oil. He said Washington could raise tariffs if New Delhi failed to cooperate. Trump spoke to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday.
He claimed Prime Minister Narendra Modi understood his displeasure on the issue. Trump said India wanted to “make him happy” by reducing oil purchases from Russia. He added that tariffs could be increased quickly if progress stalled.
Trump also stated that India had already cut Russian oil imports significantly. He praised Modi personally, calling him a good man and a strong trading partner. However, he repeated that trade pressure remained an option.
The remarks come amid rising concern in Washington about India’s energy trade with Moscow. India has defended its purchases as vital for domestic energy security. The warning also follows a recent phone call between Trump and Modi. Both leaders stressed the need to maintain momentum in trade relations.
That call coincided with renewed negotiations to resolve a long-running trade dispute. Talks suffered setbacks after US tariffs on Indian goods rose to as high as 50 percent.
Oil politics has gained urgency after US action in Venezuela. The country holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves. Production remains low due to sanctions and underinvestment.
