NextFin news, US President Donald Trump admitted on Friday that the decision to impose tariffs on Indian goods, specifically a 50% tariff related to India's purchase of Russian oil, caused a rift between Washington and New Delhi. Speaking during an interview with 'Fox and Friends' in the United States, Trump said the tariffs were a difficult but necessary measure to clamp down on Russian President Vladimir Putin's influence.
Trump stated, "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." He added that the issue was more of a European problem than an American one.
In addition to discussing tariffs, Trump reiterated his claim of having played a role in preventing a war between India and Pakistan. He alleged that during Operation Sindoor, he acted as a mediator between the two countries. Trump also claimed to have resolved seven conflicts during his second term as President, including long-standing wars in Congo and Rwanda.
Trump's close aides have also been critical of India’s trade policies. Peter Navarro, a former advisor, referred to India as the "Maharajah of Tariffs." Furthermore, Sergio Gor, Trump's nominee for US Ambassador to India, emphasized that preventing India from buying Russian oil remains a top priority for the Trump administration.
The interview and statements were made in the United States on Friday, September 12, 2025, and were reported by India.com on Saturday, September 13, 2025.
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