President Trump defends 50% tariffs on India over Russian oil trade, admits diplomatic fallout but signals possible reset with Modi
In a revealing interview with Fox News, U.S. President Donald Trump admitted that the decision to impose up to 50% tariffs on Indian exports — in response to India’s continued oil trade with Russia — created a rift in U.S.-India relations.
“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,” Trump said on Fox & Friends.
India’s decision to maintain energy trade with Moscow amid the Ukraine war sparked concern in Washington, but the tariffs triggered outrage in India, fueling anti-U.S. sentiment and weakening bilateral ties.
“That’s a big deal. And it caused a rift with India,” Trump added.
Trade Tensions and Breakdown in Talks
Trump first introduced a 25% tariff on Indian exports, later raising it to 50% starting August 27, calling it a consequence of India’s alignment with Russia on energy imports.
Ongoing trade talks have stalled:
- India rejected demands to open its agriculture and dairy sectors
- A broader bilateral trade deal collapsed, despite trade volumes exceeding $190 billion annually
Signals of Reconciliation With India
Despite the rift, Trump indicated a desire to reset ties with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating:
“We’re continuing negotiations to address trade barriers.”
Sergio Gor, nominated by Trump as U.S. Ambassador to India, expressed optimism:
- Described the tariffs as a “little hiccup”
- Acknowledged India as a “friend” held to “different standards”
- Pledged to “pull India in our direction — not away from us”
Gor noted that Trump has not criticized Modi personally, indicating that core diplomatic ties remain intact.
Tougher Tone on Putin and the Ukraine War
In the same interview, President Trump also voiced growing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the prolonged war in Ukraine.
“Yeah. It’s sort of running out, and running out fast,” Trump said when asked if his patience with Putin had ended.
He suggested future sanctions could include:
- Banks and oil sectors
- Coordinated pressure with European allies
“We’re going to have to come down very, very strong,” Trump warned.
President Trump’s admission that the steep 50% tariffs on Indian exports created a rift between Washington and New Delhi marks a rare moment of public acknowledgment in a tense geopolitical climate. While the fallout over India’s continued energy trade with Russia has strained one of America’s most important strategic partnerships, Trump’s remarks — and his openness to renewed talks with Prime Minister Modi — suggest that the door remains open for reconciliation.
As both nations navigate complex global alliances and economic priorities, the coming weeks may determine whether trade friction gives way to diplomatic reset, or whether deeper divisions are here to stay.
One thing is clear: U.S.-India relations are at a crossroads — and the next move could redefine the partnership for years to come.
