Trump Threatens Massive Tariffs on India Over Continued Russian Oil Purchases Despite Diplomatic Denials

US President Donald Trump has intensified his stance on India's Russian oil purchases, threatening "massive tariffs" on Indian goods unless the country halts this trade.

During remarks to reporters on Air Force One, Trump reiterated his previous claim: "I spoke with Prime Minister Modi of India, and he said he's not going to be doing the Russian oil thing."

This statement comes after India's government explicitly denied Trump's earlier assertion about having such a conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding Russian oil imports.

When confronted with India's denial, Trump responded firmly: "But if they want to say that, then they'll just continue to pay massive tariffs, and they don't want to do that."

These comments reflect escalating US pressure on Russia's trading partners, particularly in the energy sector, which Washington claims indirectly supports Moscow's military operations in Ukraine.

India has emerged as the largest purchaser of discounted seaborne Russian oil following Western nations' sanctions against Moscow after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

The United States has already implemented substantial 50 percent tariffs on numerous Indian exports. These US duties, among the world's highest, include a 25 percent penalty specifically targeting transactions with Russia that Washington believes fund the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Trump has consistently maintained that these tariffs on India would either remain or potentially increase if New Delhi continues its crude oil trade with Moscow.

Last week, Trump claimed that Prime Minister Modi had assured him India would cease its Russian oil purchases. However, India's foreign ministry promptly rejected this claim, stating they were "not aware of any telephone conversation between the leaders" while emphasizing that India's primary concern is to "safeguard the interests of the Indian consumer."

A White House official recently stated that India has reduced its Russian oil purchases by half, though Indian sources indicated no immediate reduction has occurred.

According to these sources, Indian refiners have already placed orders for November deliveries, including some scheduled for December arrival, suggesting any potential reduction might only become apparent in December or January import statistics.

Data from commodities firm Kpler indicates that India's Russian oil imports are actually projected to increase by approximately 20 percent this month to 1.9 million barrels per day, as Russia increases exports following Ukrainian drone strikes on its refineries.