US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States will “very substantially” raise tariffs on Indian imports within the next 24 hours, citing India’s continued purchases of discounted Russian oil. US president made the announcement during an interview with CNBC on Tuesday, intensifying tensions between Washington and New Delhi
“They’re fueling the war machine,” Trump said, referring to India’s oil trade with Russia. “If they’re going to do that, then I’m not going to be happy.” The US currently imposes a 25 per cent tariff on several Indian goods. Trump’s threat to escalate that figure has triggered strong reactions both domestically and internationally.
Russia Defends India, Slams US “Threats”
In response to Trump’s comments, the Kremlin quickly condemned what it described as illegal trade pressure. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday, “We hear many statements that are in fact threats, attempts to force countries to cut trade relations with Russia. We do not consider such statements to be legal.”
ALSO READ: 30 Years In Ice: Pakistani Man’s Frozen Body Discovered, ID Card Cracks Decades-Old Mystery
Peskov further emphasised that sovereign nations have the right to determine their own trade policies. “Countries should choose their own economic partners and cooperation formats based on national interest,” he stated.
Trump Accuses India Of Profiting From Ukraine War
The tariff threat follows a social media post by Trump on Monday, in which he accused India of “buying massive amounts of Russian oil” and “selling it on the open market for big profits.” He suggested that such actions undermine international pressure on Moscow over its war in Ukraine.
“India is not only buying Russian oil,they’re making money off it while others bear the cost of the war,” Trump wrote. “Because of this, I will be substantially raising the tariff paid by India to the USA.” Ministry of External Affairs swiftly rejected Trump’s allegations, calling them “unjustified and unreasonable.” In a press briefing, a ministry spokesperson said, “India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.”