New Delhi/Washington: US President Donald Trump has said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was aware of Washington’s displeasure over India’s purchases of Russian oil, asserting that the United States can raise tariffs on India “very quickly” if required.
Trump’s remarks came as India has begun reducing its oil imports from Russia following the imposition of a 25 per cent US tariff in August last year. Since September 2025, Indian crude oil imports from Russia have shown a steady decline. Official trade data indicates that imports from Russia fell by over 18 per cent between April and October 2025 compared to the same period the previous year.
Backing Trump’s stance, veteran Republican leader and US Senator Lindsey Graham said the tariffs had compelled New Delhi to reconsider its oil sourcing. Graham, who chairs the Senate Budget Committee, revealed that Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Kwatra had informed him about India’s decision to cut Russian oil purchases and requested that he convey this message to President Trump, seeking relief from the tariffs imposed on India.
Standing alongside Trump aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Graham spoke about his proposed tariff legislation that aims to impose punitive duties of up to 500 per cent on imports from countries continuing to buy Russian oil.
The comments come amid ongoing strain in India–US trade ties, with New Delhi attempting to balance strategic autonomy in energy sourcing while managing growing pressure from Washington over its economic engagement with Moscow.
