New Delhi, Jan 5:US President Donald Trump said Washington could raise tariffs if New Delhi continues importing Russian oil.
NDTV reported that speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said Prime Minister Narendra Modi “knew I was not happy” over the issue and suggested India had sought to address his concerns.
“We could raise tariffs on India if they don’t help on the Russian oil issue,” Trump said, adding that India had substantially reduced its oil purchases from Russia. He described Modi as “a very good man” and said trade measures could be imposed “very quickly” if required. The remarks come amid renewed scrutiny in Washington of India’s energy trade with Russia and coincide with a new round of India–US negotiations aimed at resolving a long-running trade impasse. Trump’s comments also follow a recent phone call between the two leaders, during which they underscored the importance of maintaining momentum in bilateral trade ties despite ongoing tariff-related tensions, NDTV reported.