Again, Trump threatens harsh tariffs on India over Russian oil purchases

United States President Donald Trump has threatened India with higher tariffs over its Russian oil purchases.

Trump’s threat on Monday, August 4, 2025, followed earlier remarks about penalizing anyone who purchased oil from Russia.

In a social media post, Trump wrote: “India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits. They don’t care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine.

“Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA.”

A spokesperson for India’s foreign ministry said in response that India will “take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.”

“The targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable,” the spokesperson added.

Trump had previously threatened 100% tariffs on imports from countries that buy Russian oil unless Moscow reaches a major peace deal with Ukraine.

Trump imposes tariffs on countries’ goods

The president said that from Friday, he will impose new sanctions on Russia as well as on countries that buy its energy exports, unless Moscow takes steps to end its war with Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has shown no public sign of altering his stance despite the deadline.

Despite the possibility of penalties from the U.S., two government sources told Reuters on Saturday that India would keep purchasing Russian oil.

New Delhi called Trump’s Monday threat “unjustified” and vowed to protect its economic interests.

Russia is the leading oil supplier for India, the world’s third-largest oil importer and consumer, accounting for about 35% of its overall supplies.

India imported about 1.75 million barrels per day of Russian oil from January to June this year, up 1% from a year ago, according to data provided by sources.

Unlike Iranian and Venezuelan oil, Russian crude is not subject to direct sanctions, and India is buying it below the current price cap fixed by the European Union, a source said.

The Star