Trump slams India over Russian oil trade, threatens major tariff hike
ALBAWABA- In a fiery post on Truth Social, U.S. President Donald Trump accused India of profiting from Russia's war in Ukraine by purchasing large volumes of discounted Russian oil and reselling it on the global market.
He condemned India for "not caring" about the ongoing war casualties in Ukraine, stating: "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."
Donald J. Trump Truth Social 08.04.25 10:50 AM EST
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… — Fan Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) August 4, 2025
Trump vowed to respond by substantially increasing tariffs on Indian goods entering the U.S., calling the move necessary to hold India accountable. 'Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA. Thank you for your attention to this matter!!!' he added.
The comments sparked confusion and criticism, particularly after Trump claimed on August 2 that India would 'no longer buy oil from Russia.' However, senior Indian officials speaking to The New York Times said no such policy change has occurred.
India's External Affairs Ministry reiterated that its energy trade decisions are guided by national interest, affordability, and global supply dynamics. A spokesperson said that India's strategic partnership with Russia remains "steady and time-tested."
According to Bloomberg, Indian refiners have not been instructed to stop buying Russian oil, though they have been told to 'explore alternatives' in light of international pressure.
But market sources note that abandoning Russian oil would push India to source from Gulf producers, often at significantly higher prices.
Critics also pointed to the irony in Trump's rhetoric, noting that arms shipments to Ukraine continue from the West, yet energy trade is being blamed for prolonging the war.
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