US President Donald Trump has issued a strong warning to India, stating that if New Delhi continues to purchase oil from Russia, the United States will maintain heavy tariffs on Indian goods.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously assured Washington that India would limit its oil trade with Russia, but recent reports indicate continued imports.
The Observer Guardian’s Washington bureau notes that Trump’s remarks could reignite tensions between the two strategic partners at a time of shifting global alliances.
Trump’s Warning to India on Russian Oil
President Trump said, “Prime Minister Modi told me they wouldn’t buy Russian oil, but India needs to make a decision. If they continue, the economic pressure will remain.”
He added that the tariffs currently imposed on Indian exports will not be lifted unless India reconsiders its energy dependence on Moscow.
Analysts say Trump’s renewed stance signals a tougher approach toward countries balancing relations between the US and Russia amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
China and Global Trade Remarks
The US president also discussed the possibility of reducing tariffs on China, but with conditions.
“We can reduce tariffs on China,” Trump said, “but they need to do something meaningful for us in return.”
He added that Washington expects Beijing not to “play games with rare earth minerals” — a critical resource for global technology production.
Regarding Colombia, Trump mentioned that a new tariff-related announcement would be made on Monday, hinting at potential changes in trade policy across Latin America.
Comments on Ukraine and Gaza
Addressing international conflicts, Trump said that if Ukraine were to cede the Donbas region to Russia, it would “not be surprising,” suggesting a pragmatic approach to ending the war.
He also confirmed that the ceasefire in Gaza remains intact, saying, “The truce is holding, and that’s a positive sign.”
Key Points
- Trump warns India to stop importing Russian oil or face ongoing tariffs.
- Says China’s tariffs could be reduced only if Beijing makes reciprocal concessions.
- Announces new tariff decisions on Colombia coming Monday.
- Remarks that Ukraine giving up Donbas “would not be new.”
- Confirms Gaza ceasefire still in place.
