NextFin news, New York – On Friday, US President Donald Trump acknowledged that his decision to impose a 50% tariff on India for buying Russian oil caused a diplomatic rift between the two countries. Speaking in an interview with Fox and Friends, Trump said the tariffs were a significant and difficult measure that strained US-India relations.
Trump explained that India was Russia's biggest customer for oil, and the tariffs were imposed as a response to New Delhi's continued purchases despite Western sanctions on Moscow. He emphasized that the move was challenging and described it as 'not an easy thing to do.'
“Look, India was their biggest customer. I put a 50 per cent tariff on India because they're buying oil from Russia. That's not an easy thing to do. That's a big deal and it causes a rift with India,” Trump said.
He also noted that the issue was more of a European problem than an American one, highlighting the broader geopolitical complexities involved.
In the same interview, Trump reiterated his claims of having resolved seven conflicts during his second term as President, including longstanding wars in regions such as Congo and Rwanda, as well as tensions between Pakistan and India.
India has defended its purchase of Russian crude oil, stating that its energy procurement decisions are driven by national interest and market dynamics, despite pressure from the United States and its allies.
The tariffs and resulting tensions underscore the challenges in balancing geopolitical alliances and economic interests amid ongoing global conflicts and sanctions regimes.
This development was reported on Friday, September 12, 2025, in New York, with coverage by multiple news outlets including Deccan Herald, The Indian Express, and Mint.
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