Washington (TDI): US President Donald Trump on Tuesday declared that tariffs on Indian imports would be raised “very substantially” within the next 24 hours due to New Delhi’s ongoing purchases of Russian oil.
In an interview with CNBC, Trump criticized India’s trade practices and energy choices, saying, “They’re fuelling the war machine, and if they’re going to do that, then I’m not going to be happy.” He also noted that India’s high tariffs on US goods remain a key point of contention, though he did not specify the new rate he plans to impose.
Trump had already introduced 25% tariffs on Indian goods in July, citing geopolitical concerns and unresolved trade issues between the two nations. However, Tuesday’s remarks signal a sharp escalation in tensions just days before a self-imposed Friday deadline, after which Trump has vowed to take additional punitive steps unless Russia agrees to a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Trump’s threat has sparked rare political unity in India, as both the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress party condemned the warning.
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Congress MP Manish Tewari said the US president’s words were disrespectful and “an affront to Indian dignity,” while Baijayant Jay Panda, a senior BJP leader, quoted Henry Kissinger on social media: “To be an enemy of America can be dangerous, but to be a friend is fatal.”
India’s Foreign Ministry also pushed back, accusing the US of double standards. “It is unjustified to single out India,” the ministry said, pointing to continuing trade between Russia and the West, even amid the Ukraine war.
According to the statement, the EU traded €67.5 billion with Russia in 2024, including record imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Meanwhile, the US continues to purchase Russian goods like uranium hexafluoride, palladium, fertilisers, and chemicals, it added.
India remains the world’s largest buyer of seaborne Russian crude, importing around 1.75 million barrels per day between January and June 2025. That figure marks a slight increase from last year, based on data shared with Reuters by trade insiders.
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Western powers have been pressuring India to reduce its energy ties with Moscow since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, but New Delhi has defended its position by citing economic interests and historic strategic ties with Russia.
India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is reportedly planning a visit to Russia later this week, and Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar is expected to follow in the coming weeks.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
