POTUS warns India of ‘massive tariffs’ if Russia oil purchase continue
By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump on Monday commented on reports that India continues to buy Russian oil, stating that while he does not believe India has made such a move
He warned India that “if they did, they’ll have to pay a lot of tariffs.” Trump added that in a conversation with PM Modi, the Indian Prime Minister assured him that India is not going to buy Russian oil, but warned that any purchases would incur massive tariffs.
Washington has been ramping up pressure on nations maintaining energy trade with Russia, argued that revenues from Russian oil are financing Russia’s military operations in Ukraine.
India Ministry of External Affairs dismissed President Donald Trump’s claims.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a press briefing that he was “unaware of any conversation” between Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the matter.
Jaiswal noted that India continues to engage in ongoing discussions with the United States on strengthening energy cooperation, without providing details on whether the country intends to alter its oil import strategy.
Trump’s remarks came after the ongoing trade tensions, with India facing steep US import tariffs, which he raised to 50% tariff earlier this year on key exports such as textiles and pharmaceuticals.
