US President Donald Trump admitted on Friday that his decision to impose a 50% tariff on India for buying Russian oil has created a rift between the two countries. Speaking to Fox News, Trump said, “India was Russia’s biggest customer. I put a 50% tariff on India because they were buying oil from Russia. That’s not an easy thing to do.”
The move triggered strong reactions in India and fueled anti-US sentiment. Trump first raised tariffs by 25% on Indian exports, then doubled them to 50% from August 27. He said the step was necessary to pressure Russia over the war in Ukraine, but acknowledged it strained relations with New Delhi.
Bilateral trade between the US and India is valued at over $190 billion annually. However, trade talks collapsed earlier when India resisted opening its farm and dairy markets. Trump now says negotiations will continue, and he plans to speak with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reset ties.
Sergio Gor, nominated as US ambassador to India, called the tariffs a “little hiccup” and stressed that India remains a key partner. Trump also expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, warning that US patience was “running out fast.”
