President Donald Trump on Friday admitted that his decision to impose a 50% tariff on India for continuing to buy oil from Russia has damaged ties between Washington and New Delhi. Speaking during an interview on Fox News, Trump said, “India was their biggest customer. I put a 50% tariff on India because they’re buying oil from Russia. That’s not an easy thing to do.”
The policy move, framed as part of Washington’s broader sanctions on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine, ignited backlash in India. The tariffs have fueled a rise in anti-US sentiment and heightened friction between the two democracies. Trump himself conceded, “That’s a big deal. And it causes a rift with India.”
India, the world’s fifth-largest economy, has resisted US pressure to scale back its imports of Russian oil. This led to a series of escalating tariffs under Trump’s trade war strategy. Initially, a 25% duty was announced, which was later doubled to 50% starting August 27. The measure targeted specific exports from India, which Washington viewed as benefiting Moscow at a time of war.
Despite the sharp rhetoric, Trump has signaled a willingness to ease tensions. On Tuesday, he remarked that his administration continues to negotiate trade barriers with New Delhi and expressed plans to speak directly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Bilateral trade between the two countries remains substantial, valued at more than $190 billion annually, making the relationship too significant for both sides to allow prolonged strain.
Sergio Gor, Trump’s nominee for US ambassador to India and designated special envoy for South Asia, echoed this sentiment. He described the tariff dispute as a “little hiccup,” noting that the administration intends to keep India close. Gor emphasized that Washington holds its allies to higher expectations, particularly regarding ties with Russia. “We will make it a top priority to pull them in our direction, not away from us,” he said. He also highlighted that Trump, while outspoken about other world leaders, has refrained from criticizing Modi personally.
Meanwhile, Trump used the Fox News appearance to address Russia directly. He admitted that his patience with President Vladimir Putin is wearing thin, though he stopped short of announcing new sanctions. “It’s running out and running out fast,” Trump remarked, adding that while he had maintained a working relationship with Putin in the past, his frustration over the ongoing war in Ukraine is mounting.
Trump warned that Washington may need to take stronger measures if the conflict continues unchecked. “We’re going to have to come down very, very strong,” he cautioned, signaling that his administration is preparing for tougher stances ahead.
