According to reports, US President Donald Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that the United States could raise tariffs on India if New Delhi does not meet Washington’s demand to reduce its purchases of Russian oil.
Sources said Trump made these remarks on Sunday, saying he knew he was not happy and that pleasing him was important for them. In response to a question about India’s purchase of Russian oil, Trump said that India trades with the US, and the US could raise tariffs on it very quickly. India’s Ministry of Commerce did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
It is worth noting that last year, the United States doubled import tariffs on Indian goods to 50 percent as a penalty for India’s large purchases of Russian oil. Despite the heavy tariffs, Indian exports to the US rose sharply in November. Encouraged by better trade figures, Indian officials have maintained a firm stance against US trade demands and signaled no flexibility in areas such as agricultural imports. Data also shows that India’s purchases of Russian oil have declined.
Sources added that Prime Minister Modi has spoken with Trump by phone at least three times since the tariffs were imposed, but the talks have not yet produced results.
