United States President Donald Trump has acknowledged that imposing a 50 per cent tariff on Indian exports in response to its continued oil purchases from Russia was “not an easy thing to do,” admitting that the decision has caused strain in bilateral relations.
Speaking to an American broadcaster on Friday, Trump said, “Look, India was their [Russia’s] biggest customer. I put a 50% tariff on India because they're buying oil from Russia. That's not an easy thing to do.”
The remark comes amidst rising anti-US sentiment in India following the imposition of steep tariffs on selected Indian goods. Trump justified the move as part of his administration’s broader efforts to pressure Moscow over its ongoing war in Ukraine, a conflict that has tested diplomatic ties worldwide.
“That's a big deal. And it causes a rift with India,” Trump added, signalling awareness of the diplomatic fallout.
The punitive measures began with a 25 per cent tariff on Indian imports, which were later doubled to 50 per cent from August 27. The move, viewed in New Delhi as harsh and unilateral, was tied directly to India’s increased procurement of Russian crude, bypassing Western sanctions.
India, the world’s fifth-largest economy, has strongly defended its energy partnerships as matters of sovereign economic policy. However, the tariffs have dealt a blow to ongoing trade negotiations, especially with talks on lowering tariff barriers failing over India’s reluctance to open sensitive sectors such as agriculture and dairy.
Bilateral trade between India and the United States is valued at over $190 billion annually, but the recent developments have cast a shadow over economic cooperation.
Also read: Modi refused Trump calls amid tariff dispute
Despite the tension, signs of rapprochement have emerged. Trump noted that “negotiations are ongoing” and that he intends to speak directly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The comments suggest that Washington may be seeking a diplomatic recalibration after several weeks of tension.
Sergio Gor, recently nominated by Trump as ambassador to India and appointed as special envoy for South Asia, struck a conciliatory tone, referring to the tariffs as a “little hiccup.” He added, “We hold our friends to different standards. I will make it a top priority to ensure that they're pulled in our direction, not away from us.”
Gor also pointed out that while Trump has publicly criticised many world leaders, “he has not personally attacked PM Modi,” indicating that Washington continues to value its strategic partnership with New Delhi.
Trump’s remarks also touched upon Russian President Vladimir Putin. While stopping short of announcing new sanctions, Trump said his patience was “running out and running out fast” over Putin’s continued prosecution of the Ukraine war.
“We’re going to have to come down very, very strong,” Trump warned, suggesting further measures, including financial sanctions and increased tariffs, were on the table, contingent on support from European allies.
As global tensions evolve, India finds itself navigating a complex diplomatic space, balancing longstanding partnerships with the West while maintaining strategic autonomy in its dealings with Russia.
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