Trump Threatens India With Higher Tariffs Over Russia Oil Deals; Decision in 3 Weeks

US may impose reciprocal tariffs on India for Russian oil imports within weeks, Trump warns. Already facing 50% duties, India maintains independent policy stance. Outcome hinges on Ukraine war developments and US-Russia talks. Bilateral trade tensions escalate as deadline approaches.

New Delhi: US President Donald Trump has once again targeted countries, including India, that are buying oil from Russia. In an interview with Fox News on Saturday (August 16, 2025), Trump said that he may have to consider imposing a 'reciprocal tariff' on these countries in the next 2-3 weeks. However, he also made it clear that there is no need to do so at the moment. This statement comes after the recent meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.

50% tariff already on India

This warning of Trump is directly related to the increasing oil trade between India and Russia. Just last month, Trump had threatened 'secondary sanctions' on countries doing business with Russia. He also talked about imposing 100% tariffs on Russia and gave an ultimatum of 50 days to end the Ukraine war. India is already facing the impact of this—the Trump administration first imposed 25% tariffs on Indian goods, which were later increased to 50%. Half of these duties have already been implemented, while the rest will be effective from August 27.

US Treasury Secretary warns of more intimidation.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant said in an interview with Bloomberg TV that if no concrete results come out of the Trump-Putin talks in Alaska, then more duties can be imposed on India. He even accused India of adopting an "obstinate attitude" in trade talks with the US.

India's response: "Do not look at relations through the prism of a third party."

India has clarified its stand on this matter, saying that its relations with the US are multifaceted and trade is just one aspect. The Ministry of External Affairs had already said that India-US relations should not be viewed through a "third party lens." This was a clear indication that India will formulate policies based on its national interests, whether it is buying oil from Russia or other issues.

What will happen in the next 3 weeks?

Trump has deliberately given a deadline of the next 2-3 weeks, which may be linked to the Ukraine war and his 50-day ultimatum to Russia. If Russia does not agree to stop the war, Trump may take more stringent action against countries like India. At the moment, it is a challenging time for India, as it has to balance between US pressure on one hand and its energy security on the other.

Despite Trump's threats, India has not relaxed its stance so far, but if the US extends sanctions further, it may have a serious impact on the Indian economy. The next few weeks will prove to be decisive in this matter.