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Trump Warns India on Tariffs Over Russian Oil, Says PM Modi Knew He Was Unhappy

US President Donald Trump has issued a fresh warning, stating he could quickly raise tariffs on India if it continues to import Russian oil. He remarked that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom he called a "good man," was aware of his displeasure on the matter. This warning comes amid increased scrutiny in Washington over India's energy trade with Russia, which New Delhi defends as essential for energy security. The comments follow a recent phone conversation between the two leaders where they stressed maintaining trade momentum despite tariff tensions.

Key Points: Trump Threatens India Tariffs Over Russian Oil Imports

  • Trump warns India over Russian oil imports
  • Says PM Modi knew he was unhappy
  • Threatens quick tariff hikes
  • Issue gains focus amid Venezuela crisis
  • Follows recent Modi-Trump call on trade
2 min read

"PM Modi knew I was not happy": Trump warns of more tariffs if India continues Russian oil import

US President Donald Trump warns of more tariffs if India continues importing Russian oil, stating PM Modi was aware of his displeasure on the issue.

"PM Modi's a very good man... He knew I was not happy. It was important to make me happy. - Donald Trump"

Washington, DC, January 5

US President Donald Trump has held out a fresh warning to India over raising tariffs if continued imports of Russian oil, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi was aware of his displeasure on the issue.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday (local time), Trump said it was important for India to keep him happy on the issue of Russian Oil Imports

"PM Modi's a very good man. He's a good guy. He knew I was not happy. It was important to make me happy. They do trade, and we can raise tariffs on them very quickly," Trump said.

The US strike on Venezuela has brought the issue of Oil into the forefront of geopolitics once again. Venezuela has massive oil reserves, which total over 303 billion barrels, making them the world's largest proven reserves. However, production has dwindled to 1 million barrels per day due to US sanctions and underinvestment. Venezuela holds the world's largest proven oil reserves (estimated at over 300 billion barrels), which represent roughly 17% of the total global oil supply, OPEC data shows.

Trump's new warning to India comes amid growing scrutiny in Washington over India's energy trade with Russia, even as New Delhi has defended its oil purchases as essential for domestic energy security.

The comments also come just weeks after Trump and Prime Minister Modi held a telephonic conversation, during which both leaders stressed the importance of maintaining momentum in bilateral trade ties despite ongoing tariff-related tensions.

The call coincided with the launch of a fresh round of negotiations between Indian and US officials aimed at resolving the long-standing trade impasse.

Only days before the conversation with Modi, Trump had threatened to impose new tariffs on Indian rice imports. The warning followed complaints raised by a US farmer representative at a White House roundtable, who alleged dumping by India, China and Thailand.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As an observer, this is a complex geopolitical dance. India is in a tough spot between its historical ties with Russia and its strategic partnership with the US. The language used here is very transactional, which is concerning.
A
Ananya R
We need to diversify our sources, yes, but threats are not the way. The US should offer viable, cost-effective alternatives instead of just waving the tariff stick. Our common people will suffer from higher prices.
V
Vikram M
With all due respect to the leadership, I hope our negotiators stand firm. We cannot let another country dictate our foreign policy based on their domestic politics. Jai Hind.
K
Karthik V
The timing is interesting. Right after a positive call with Modi ji, this warning comes out. Feels like pressure tactics before the trade talks. Our government needs to play this very smartly.
P
Priya S
It's always about "making him happy". What about what makes sense for 1.4 billion Indians? We buy oil from where it's cheapest. That's basic economics, not an insult to the US.

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