Trump's Warning: US Tariffs Loom Over India's Russian Oil Purchases

Trump's Comments on India's Oil Imports

New York/Washington: President Donald Trump has expressed his dissatisfaction with India's ongoing purchases of Russian oil, indicating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was aware of his concerns. Trump stated that the US could impose tariffs on India 'very quickly'.

These comments were made during a conversation with reporters on Air Force One while returning to Washington DC from Florida.

"India wanted to please me, essentially. Modi is a good man; he understood my displeasure, and it was crucial for them to address it. They engage in trade, and we can impose tariffs on them swiftly, which would be detrimental for them," Trump remarked.

His statements followed US Senator Lindsey Graham's assertion that the tariffs imposed by Trump are a significant factor in India's reduced purchases of Russian oil.

Graham discussed his proposed tariff legislation, which aims to impose a staggering 500 percent levy on imports from nations that buy Russian oil.

He emphasized the need to exert pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin's clientele to help resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Trump noted that the sanctions are severely impacting Russia and mentioned India in this context. Graham added that the US has implemented a 25 percent tariff on India for its Russian oil imports.

"I visited the Indian Ambassador's residence about a month ago, and his primary concern was their decreasing Russian oil purchases. He asked me to convey to the President the need to lift the tariff," Graham recounted.