Trump Warns India of Higher Tariffs Over Russian Oil Imports

Washington/New Delhi, Jan 6, 2026 — US President Donald Trump has warned that India could face significantly higher import tariffs if it does not comply with Washington’s demand to reduce oil imports from Russia.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday (January 4), Trump said he was unhappy with India’s continued trade with Russia, particularly in the energy sector, and signaled that punitive trade measures could be imposed swiftly. Reuters reported the remarks.
“Modi is a good man. He knew I wasn’t happy. Making me happy was important,” Trump said when asked about India’s trade ties with Russia. “I know India trades with Russia, and I can raise tariffs on them very quickly.”
India’s commerce ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment, according to Reuters.
Last year, the United States doubled import tariffs on Indian goods to 50 percent as a penalty for India’s large-scale purchases of Russian oil. Despite the higher duties, Indian exports to the US rose sharply in November, strengthening New Delhi’s position in ongoing trade negotiations.
Reuters noted that buoyant trade figures have encouraged Indian officials to maintain a firm stance against US trade demands, particularly on sensitive issues such as agricultural imports, where New Delhi has shown limited flexibility.
India has, however, slightly reduced its oil imports from Russia in recent weeks. The government has instructed refineries to submit weekly data on crude oil purchases from both Russia and the United States. As part of broader trade discussions with Washington, imports of Russian crude could fall below one million barrels per day.
Since the imposition of tariffs, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has held at least three phone conversations with Trump, though no final agreement has been reached. Last month in New Delhi, India’s Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal met US Deputy Trade Representative Rick Switzer to discuss bilateral trade and economic relations.