Anna Hartz
Trump Threatens India With Tariffs Over Russian Oil Deal
The global oil trade is heating up again, but not just because of rising prices. This time, it’s about politics, pressure, and who gets to decide who trades with whom.
At the center of it all are the United States, India, and Russia.
India has become one of the largest buyers of Russian oil. Before the war in Ukraine, India bought less than 100,000 barrels per day from Russia, according to Digi24.
Now it buys more than 1.8 million barrels daily. That’s about 39% of its total oil imports. These numbers have angered the United States.
India Responded to Trump’s Threats
Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently threatened India with heavy tariffs. He said the country could face up to 25% tariffs—or more—on exports to the U.S. unless it stops buying Russian oil.
Trump accused India of helping Russia’s military by purchasing its oil. He also claimed that India is reselling that oil for profit.
India didn’t take those words lightly. The Indian government fired back, calling out what it says is hypocrisy.
It pointed out that the U.S. and many European countries are still doing business with Russia. India said it buys oil out of national need, not for profit.
“Countries Should Be Allowed to Choose Their Own Trading Partners”
The Kremlin stepped in on Tuesday. Russian officials criticized Trump’s threats. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin’s spokesperson, said countries should be allowed to choose their own trading partners.
He said no one should try to pressure them into cutting ties. Peskov called the threats illegitimate.
This isn’t just a political spat. There’s more at stake. India and the U.S. are both major players in the Indo-Pacific region.
Their relationship affects military cooperation, global markets, and energy security. Investors are watching closely.
The situation also shows a growing divide between Western powers and countries like India and China.
While sanctions aim to hurt Russia’s economy, others are finding opportunity in the gaps those sanctions leave behind.
For now, India keeps buying. Russia keeps selling. And the U.S. keeps warning.
