Trump announces plans to hike tariffs on Indian imports over Russian oil trade

US President Donald Trump has declared his intent to impose significantly higher tariffs on imports from India, citing New Delhi’s continued engagement in trade with Russia, particularly in the energy sector.

The announcement was made via Truth Social, Trump’s preferred social media platform, where he criticized India’s “unfair economic behavior” and expressed concern over its “deepening energy ties with Moscow,” Caliber.Az reports.

“India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian oil, they are then, for much of the oil purchased, selling it on the open market for big profits. They don’t care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian war machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA. Thank you for your attention to this matter!!!” Trump posted.

He did not elaborate on what the tariff would be.

India’s trade ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Trump last week said he would impose a 25% tariff on goods imported from India and added that the world's fifth-largest economy would also face an unspecified penalty but gave no details.

Over the weekend, two Indian government sources said that India will keep purchasing oil from Russia despite Trump's threats. The sources did not wish to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter.

By Vafa Guliyeva