President Donald Trump warned Monday that tariffs on Indian goods will be “substantially” increased in response to New Delhi’s continued imports of Russian oil. India has rejected the criticism, calling the move unjustified and vowing to protect its economic interests.
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The U.S. currently imposes a 25% tariff on Indian imports, introduced last week, but Trump suggested further hikes are imminent. “India is buying massive amounts of Russian oil and reselling much of it on the open market for big profits. They don’t care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian war machine,” Trump said on Truth Social.
Indian officials said the country will continue purchasing Russian oil despite the tariff threat, citing the need to secure affordable energy for its population. “The targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable,” said a spokesperson for India’s foreign ministry, adding that India’s energy decisions are driven by global market conditions.
India began ramping up Russian oil imports in 2022 after European buyers shifted their supply lines due to the Ukraine conflict. New Delhi has emphasized that it is acting in its own energy security interests and noted that Western nations, including the EU, maintain significant trade ties with Russia.
The dispute comes amid broader tensions between Washington and New Delhi, including disagreements over India’s role in the BRICS group of emerging economies, which Trump has labeled “hostile to the U.S.”
Trump’s latest comments also follow his public claim of credit for a recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan—an assertion India has dismissed, insisting that it engages with Islamabad directly without third-party mediation.
Despite the tensions, Washington has yet to finalize a trade agreement with India, citing unresolved geopolitical issues. India has said it will take “all necessary measures” to protect its national interests as talks continue.
