President Trump warned the U.S. could raise tariffs on India if New Delhi does not reduce purchases of Russian oil. Washington already doubled import duties on Indian goods to 50% last year, yet India's exports to the U.S. rose in November. Officials say India remains firm in trade talks while data suggest Russian crude imports are falling and could drop below 1 million barrels per day. Senior leaders from both countries have held calls and recent meetings as they seek a trade agreement.
Trump Warns He Could Raise Tariffs On India Over Russian Oil Purchases
U.S. President Donald Trump walks to the White House as he returns from Florida, in Washington, D.C., U.S., January 4, 2026. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz
NEW DELHI, Jan 5 — President Donald Trump warned aboard Air Force One that the United States could raise tariffs on India if New Delhi does not curb purchases of Russian oil.
U.S. Threatens Higher Duties Over Russian Crude
Trump framed the issue as part of Washington's broader push for allies to reduce dependence on Russian energy. Speaking to reporters, he singled out Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying:
“Modi is a good guy. He knew I was not happy, and it was important to make me happy.”
Asked about India’s continued purchases of Russian oil, Trump added:
“They do trade, and we can raise tariffs on them very quickly.”
India's commerce ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Last year the U.S. doubled import tariffs on Indian goods to 50% in response to India's heavy purchases of Russian oil. Despite those steep duties, India reported a surge in exports to the U.S. in November.
Buoyed by stronger trade figures, Indian officials have maintained a firm negotiating stance, signaling limited flexibility on issues such as agricultural imports even as trade data indicate India's Russian crude purchases are declining.
People familiar with the matter told Reuters that New Delhi is asking refiners to provide weekly disclosures of volumes of Russian and U.S. oil purchases. Those sources said they expect Russian crude imports to dip below 1 million barrels per day as India seeks to secure a trade deal with Washington.
Prime Minister Modi and President Trump have spoken by phone at least three times since the tariffs were imposed, but the talks have not produced a breakthrough. India’s Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal met U.S. Deputy Trade Representative Rick Switzer in Delhi last month to discuss bilateral trade and economic ties.
Reporting: Gram Slattery and Trevor Hunnicutt aboard Air Force One; Manoj Kumar and Shivangi Acharya in New Delhi. Editing: Sonali Paul.
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