PM Modi knew I was not happy: Trump indicates fresh tariffs on India over Russian oil
Earlier, Trump had also threatened tariffs on Indian rice after a US farmer complained that India, China, and Thailand were dumping rice in the American market.
PTC News Desk: US President Donald Trump has suggested that he may impose new tariffs on India because it continues to buy oil from Russia. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was aware that he was unhappy about this.
Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, Trump said PM Modi is a good person and knew it was important to keep him satisfied. He added that since India trades with the US, tariffs could be increased quickly if needed. Last year, Trump imposed a 25% reciprocal tariff on Indian goods and an additional 25% penalty linked to India’s purchase of Russian oil, pushing duties on some items up to 50%. This move badly affected relations between India and the US.
Trump’s latest warning comes just weeks after a phone call with PM Modi, during which both leaders stressed the need to keep working on improving trade ties despite tariff disputes. The call happened on the same day officials from both countries began a new round of talks to resolve the tariff issue.
Earlier, Trump had also threatened tariffs on Indian rice after a US farmer complained that India, China, and Thailand were dumping rice in the American market. Trump questioned why India was allowed to do this and asked whether it had any special exemption. When told that a trade deal was being discussed, he said India should not engage in such practices and claimed that tariffs could fix the issue quickly.
Trade talks between India and the US are currently stuck, with the US pushing India to reduce high import duties on American farm products. India, however, is firm on protecting its farmers and dairy industry.