US President Donald Trump vowed to punish India with massive tariffs as long as Modi’s regime continues to import Russian oil. He reiterated that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised to stop purchasing Russian oil. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said, “I spoke with Prime Minister Modi of India, and he said he’s not going to be doing the Russian oil thing.”
Trump Warns India Over Tariffs
When asked about India’s denial of any such conversation, Trump replied firmly.
He said, “If they want to say that, then they’ll just continue to pay massive tariffs, and they don’t want to do that.”
Trump added that India’s continued purchase of Russian oil could keep high tariffs in place on Indian goods.
Russian Oil a Key Irritant in US-India Trade
Russian oil remains a major point of contention in ongoing US-India trade talks.
Trump imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods, half of which he said were in retaliation for oil imports from Russia.
The US government maintains that Russia’s oil revenue funds the war in Ukraine, increasing pressure on India to cut imports.
India Emerges as Largest Buyer of Russian Oil
Since Western sanctions on Moscow began in 2022, India has become the largest buyer of seaborne Russian oil.
India’s refiners have taken advantage of discounted crude, citing the need to protect domestic consumers from price shocks.
Trump’s remarks, however, add renewed diplomatic tension to an already sensitive energy issue.
India Denies Any Recent Phone Call
Trump said he spoke with Modi on Wednesday and received assurances that India would halt its Russian oil purchases.
However, India’s foreign ministry denied any such conversation took place.
Officials stated that New Delhi’s top priority remains safeguarding the interests of Indian consumers.
Mixed Signals Over Import Reduction
A White House official said on Thursday that India has halved its Russian oil imports.
However, Indian sources disputed this claim, saying no immediate reduction had occurred.
They confirmed that orders for November and December shipments had already been placed.
Experts said any decline in imports might only appear in December or January data.
Russian Oil Imports Continue Rising
According to Kpler, a global commodities data firm, India’s Russian oil imports are set to increase 20% this month. Shipments may reach 1.9 million barrels per day as Russia boosts exports following Ukrainian drone attacks on its refineries.
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