"We could raise tariffs on India", Says Donald Trump on India's oil purchase from Russia

Donald Trump has once again warned India for continuing its oil purchase from Russia, he has briefly said that he could increase tariffs if India does not stop its oil import from the U.S's enemy while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One.

"Modi is a good man, could raise tariffs"

U.S President Donald Trump has once again commented on India and its decision to import oil from Russia, which has been a long-standing ally. At an event, he repeated his jab and said he could increase the tariffs even more if India does not stops its oil import. "They wanted to make me happy, basically, he wanted to, Modi's a very good man, he is a good guy, he knew I was not happy, and it was important to make me happy, they do trade, and we can raise tariffs on them very quickly" He said.

Trump said, "The Russian economy is lousy, but what's really lousy is the Venezuelan economy, the Venezuelan economy is, I think, the worst economy I've ever seen." This is what he said in reference to the current Venezuelan crisis, and in between, he mentioned India.

🚨 Trump warns of very quick tariff hikes on Indian goods if New Delhi continues buying Russian oil.

• US tariffs on Indian exports already hit 50% last year.
• India calls Russian crude vital for energy security.

This remains the #1 barrier to a major INDIA-US trade deal. pic.twitter.com/iKgEJekgj8

— The Delhi Pulse (@TheDelhiPulse) January 5, 2026

Why is the U.S bothered by the Russia-India oil trade?

U.S- Russia do not share a hearty relationship, and it is not a new chapter; it has been the way it is since the second world war until 1991, when the Cold War. The ended, and the Soviet Union became Russia. In 2022, during the Russia-Ukraine war, India became one of the largest importers of Russian oil, which, according to some political thinkers, suggests that it funded the Russians to sustain during the war amidst all the sanctions internationally.

U.S itself imports uranium and other goods from Russia, which the country never talks about, and the import has not stopped yet as they lecture third-world nations what and whom to buy from. In a press conference, President Trump was asked about it and it seemed like he was aware of the trade himself. "Well, I'll have to see that" he said