US President Donald Trump recently opened up about slapping a hefty 50 percent tariff on India for buying Russian oil, calling it a tough call that has strained ties with New Delhi. In a candid chat with Fox News, Trump explained, “India was Russia’s biggest customer. I put a 50 percent tariff on India because they’re buying oil from Russia. That’s not an easy thing to do. That’s a big deal, and it causes a rift with India.”
The comments came as Trump discussed his plans to crack down on Russia over the ongoing Ukraine conflict. He promised to hit Moscow hard with economic blows, including sanctions on banks, oil restrictions, and tariffs. “It’d be hitting very hard with sanctions to banks and having to do with oil and tariffs also,” Trump said.
Trump’s team is now talking with European leaders about ramping up the pressure, eyeing 100 percent tariffs on both India and China. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed this in a statement to Reuters, urging the EU to “join us and impose meaningful tariffs that will be rescinded the day the war ends.”
Amid the tariff tensions, there’s good news on the US-India front. Trump’s nominee for US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, highlighted New Delhi as a key “strategic partner” during his Senate hearing. He stressed that convincing India to cut back on Russian oil is a “top priority” for the administration, while pushing to boost defense and economic ties.
Gor shared an exciting update: The US and India are nearing a major trade deal. “We’re actively negotiating with the Indians right now. In fact, the President has invited their commerce and trade ministers to come visit us next week, and he’ll be meeting with Ambassador Greer here in Washington. Part of that will include a hopeful deal. We’re not that far apart right now on a deal,” he said. Last week, Trump announced on Truth Social that trade talks with India are back on track, aiming to tackle barriers between the two nations.
Trump also praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “very good friend” and said he’s eager to chat with him soon. Modi responded positively on X, saying, “India and the US are close friends and natural partners. I am confident that our trade negotiations will pave the way for unlocking the limitless potential of the India-US partnership.”
As US-India relations navigate these Russia oil tariffs and trade hurdles, both sides seem optimistic about strengthening their bond.
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