US President Donald Trump has warned that India will face “massive tariffs” if it continues purchasing oil from Russia, claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured him New Delhi would halt its Russian oil imports. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said, “They don’t want to do that,” while reiterating that he believes India has not honored any commitments to stop buying Russian crude. His remarks come amid ongoing tensions between the US and India over energy trade and tariffs.

India, however, has stated that it is “broad-basing and diversifying” its energy sources to meet domestic market needs, directly contradicting Trump’s assertion. Washington has accused India of indirectly financing Russia’s war efforts through these purchases. Relations between the two nations have been further strained after Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent, which included an additional 25 per cent duty targeting Indian purchases of Russian crude—a move New Delhi described as “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.”

The standoff highlights the fragile nature of India-US trade relations, especially in the energy sector. While Trump continues to pressure India over Russian oil, New Delhi is attempting to maintain a balance between its energy security needs and international diplomatic pressures. The situation remains fluid, with both sides sending mixed signals regarding future commitments, leaving global markets and political observers closely watching developments.