Former US President Donald Trump acknowledged that imposing tariffs of up to 50% on Indian exports over purchases of Russian oil caused tensions between the two nations.

India-US Trade Dispute Over Russian Oil

Trump, in a Fox News interview, said,

“India was Russia’s biggest customer. I imposed a 50% tariff because they were buying oil from Russia. That’s not an easy thing to do.”

The tariffs sparked outrage in India and fueled anti-US sentiment, highlighting friction over Western sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.

Escalating Trade Tensions

The tariffs are part of a broader US-India trade dispute, which has included:

• Talks to reduce tariffs collapsing after India resisted opening its agriculture and dairy markets.

• Bilateral trade exceeding $190 billion annually.

• Initial tariffs of 25% imposed earlier, later increased to 50% from August 27 as a response to India’s increased Russian oil imports.

Steps Toward Negotiation

Trump indicated that his administration is continuing trade discussions with India. He also plans to speak with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, signaling potential diplomatic reset after weeks of tension.

Sergio Gor, nominated as US ambassador to India and special envoy for South Asia, stated that he expects progress when India’s commerce minister visits Washington next week.

“We hold our friends to different standards. I will make it a top priority to pull India closer, not push them away,” Gor said.

Gor described the tariffs as a “minor hiccup” and confirmed that Trump has not personally attacked PM Modi.

Trump Comments on Russia and Ukraine

Trump also expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the ongoing Ukraine war, saying his patience is “running out fast”.

“We’re going to have to come down very, very strong,” Trump added, hinting at options like sanctions on banks and oil, with coordination from European allies.