US President Donald Trump has warned that Washington could raise tariffs on Indian imports if New Delhi does not cooperate on concerns related to Russian oil purchases. The warning comes amid ongoing trade negotiations between the two countries and renewed pressure from the US over India&rsquo;s energy ties with Moscow.
Trump made the remarks while outlining America&rsquo;s next steps following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, where oil policy also featured prominently. He indicated that tariffs on Indian goods could be increased quickly if the Russian oil issue is not addressed.
The Trump administration has consistently opposed India&rsquo;s oil trade with Russia, arguing that revenues from these exports support Moscow&rsquo;s war efforts in Ukraine. This stance had earlier resulted in tariffs on Indian imports being raised to 50 per cent in August 2025, a move widely seen as a strategy to economically pressure Russia.
Although Trump previously claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured him India would stop buying Russian oil, New Delhi rejected the assertion, stating no such discussion had taken place. India has maintained that its energy decisions are driven by market availability and the needs of domestic consumers.
Russia remains India&rsquo;s largest oil supplier, and Indian officials have repeatedly defended the trade as essential for energy security. Trump&rsquo;s latest comments, however, risk adding fresh strain to India&ndash;US diplomatic relations, despite both leaders previously expressing optimism about a special bilateral relationship after the tariff hike.

US President Donald Trump and PM Narendra Modi

US signals possible tariff hike as talks continue over India's Russian oil trade

Trump Warns India Over Russian Oil Tariffs Tension

US signals possible tariff hike as talks continue over India's Russian oil trade

January 5, 2026 | 09:50 IST