Overview
- Speaking to reporters and later at a GOP retreat, President Trump said India could face higher duties "very quickly" and claimed Prime Minister Narendra Modi knows he is displeased with Russian oil imports.
- The United States already levies up to 50% on some Indian goods after 2025 actions that combined a 25% reciprocal tariff with a 25% penalty tied to Russian oil purchases.
- Trump asserted India has reduced Russian crude purchases, but figures conflict, with Indian government data showing a November rise and private tracker Kpler reporting a December decline.
- Senator Lindsey Graham, traveling with Trump, credited existing pressure for lower Indian buys and is pushing legislation to allow tariffs of up to 500% on countries that keep purchasing Russian energy.
- Trade talks continue without a deal as India seeks tariff relief, orders weekly refinery disclosures, and boosts some U.S. energy buys, while New Delhi rejects claims that Modi promised to halt Russian oil.