'Important to make me happy': Trump's fresh tariff warning to India
.webp)
US President Donald Trump has renewed pressure on India over its purchase of Russian oil, warning that tariffs could be raised if New Delhi does not cooperate on the Russia issue.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi while highlighting the leverage Washington holds through trade. "They wanted to make me happy, basically. PM Modi is a very good man. He’s a good guy. He knew I was not happy. It was important to make me happy. They do trade, and we can raise tariffs on them very quickly, and it’ll be very bad for them," Trump said.
Trump intensifies pressure on India
In October last year, Trump had claimed that PM Modi assured him India would stop buying oil from Russia, describing the move as "a big step" in Washington’s efforts to isolate Moscow over its war in Ukraine.
However, India maintained that its priority was to protect domestic consumers while continuing energy cooperation with multiple partners. Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had said, “India is a significant importer of oil and gas. It has been our consistent priority to safeguard the interests of the Indian consumer in a volatile energy scenario. Our import policies are guided entirely by this objective.”
US-India trade tensions
The US has been stepping up pressure on India to cut Russian oil imports. In August last year, the Trump administration imposed tariffs of up to 50 per cent on Indian goods, which included a 25 per cent penalty linked to the purchase of Russian crude.
While India and the US have continued trade discussions, no agreement has been finalised so far. New Delhi has maintained that its decisions will be guided by national interest.
India ramps up US oil imports
In October last year, India significantly increased its crude oil imports from the US to around 540,000 barrels per day, the highest level since 2022, according to data from Kpler.
India has also been closely monitoring the inflow of Russian crude. According to Reuters, the government has asked refiners to submit weekly disclosures of Russian and US oil purchases. Officials indicated that Russian crude imports are expected to fall below one million barrels per day as New Delhi seeks to secure a trade deal with Washington.
Other Latest News
.webp)
The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), in a joint operation with the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Border Range, carried out a major crackdown on trans-border drug smuggling in Punjab on Tuesday, leading to the recovery of 19.980 kg of heroin and the arrest of four accused, including the key operative managing the supply chain.
.webp)
Cuban Ambassador to India Juan Carlos Marsan Aguilera on Monday strongly condemned the US military operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, terming it a "criminal act" and a "terrorist act" that violates the United Nations Charter and international law.
.webp)
Ukraine's allies are meeting on Tuesday in Paris for key talks that could help determine the country's security after a potential ceasefire with Russia. But prospects for progress are uncertain with the Trump administration's focus shifting to Venezuela.
Before the US capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, French President Emmanuel Macron had expressed optimism about the latest gathering of so-called coalition of the willing nations.
.webp)
Venezuela would need to invest around $183 billion over the next 15 years through 2040 to boost crude oil output to 3 million barrels per day (bpd), a level last achieved in the late 1990s, from the current production level of 1.1 mbpd, according to Rystad Energy.
After the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, American President Donald Trump said that US oil companies would take control of Venezuela’s crude production and “rebuild the oil infrastructure” of the country.
.webp)
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has congratulated Chief Minister Siddaramaiah as he is about to complete a record tenure, saying it is a proud moment and that the veteran Congress leader will continue to remain in the history books. "This is a happy moment. I wish him well. Everyone has an ambition to achieve in life. He has been in the history books in the past, and he will be (there) in the future too," Shivakumar told reporters.
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
