US President Donald Trump has clarified that he “never said a percentage” when threatening 100% tariffs on countries buying Russian energy — including India — but said the US will “do quite a bit” in the coming weeks.
He announced 25% tariffs on Indian imports last week and warned of possible penalties for its oil and defence purchases from Moscow.
Trump’s remarks come as US special envoy Steve Witkoff prepares to meet Russian officials, with a decision on secondary sanctions expected afterward. Last month, Trump warned of 100% tariffs if Moscow failed to agree to a Ukraine peace deal within 50 days.
India called Trump’s targeting “unjustified and unreasonable,” pointing out that the US itself imports uranium hexafluoride, fertilisers, and chemicals from Russia. New Delhi argued it began importing oil from Russia only after Europe diverted traditional supplies following the Ukraine war — at a time when Washington actively encouraged such purchases to stabilise global markets.
Despite tariff threats, India and Russia have reaffirmed plans to boost defence cooperation, with Ambassador Vinay Kumar and Russia’s Deputy Defence Minister Alexander Fomin agreeing to deepen their “privileged strategic partnership.”
India purchased $50.2 billion worth of Russian oil in 2024–25, making it one of Moscow’s largest energy customers.
