At a time when India is facing a massive 50 per cent tariffs from the United States of America, its President Donald Trump has said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi “knew he was not happy” with India’s purchases of Russian oil and that Washington can raise tariffs on New Delhi “very quickly”.
Trump’s statement comes at a time when India is on a path to reducing oil imports from Russia, ever since the 25 per cent tariffs were imposed in August last year. Indian imports from Russia have been on a decline since September 2025.
Talking to reporters on Sunday on board Air Force One on his way to Washington DC from Florida, Trump said, “They (India) wanted to make me happy, basically. Modi is a very good man. He is a good guy. He knew I was not happy, and it was important to make me happy. They do trade and we can raise tariffs on them very quickly. It would be very bad for them.”
US Senator Lindsey Graham, accompanying him on Air Force One, said the tariffs imposed on India by Trump are the “chief reason” New Delhi is now buying substantially less Russian oil. Graham also spoke about his tariff Bill that seeks to impose 500 per cent levies on imports from countries buying Russian oil. He said that to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict, pressure must be put on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s customers.
Trump said the sanctions are hurting Russia very badly and then mentioned India. Graham then added that the US put a 25 per cent tariff on India for buying Russian oil. “I was at the Indian Ambassador’s house about a month ago and all he wanted to talk about is how they are buying less Russian oil. ‘Would you tell the President to relieve the tariff?’,” Graham said.
There was no official response from the Indian government on Graham’s claim. But India has been on the path to reducing oil imports from Russia since it wants to get rid of the 25 per cent tariff imposed by the Trump administration as quickly as possible.
India is facing a total of 50 per cent tariffs on its exports to the US, which has left a dent in the trade with one of its top export destinations. Delhi and Washington are in negotiations for a trade deal, and are hoping to conclude it as soon as possible.
