Top Modi aides defy Trump's tariff threats, set to visit Russia soon
3 Min Read
Trump has announced plans to increase tariffs on Indian exports, accusing New Delhi of profiting from the resale of sanctioned Russian oil on the open market.
-
Russian President Vladimir Putin embraces Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their meeting on the sidelines of BRICS Summit at Kazan Kremlin in Kazan, Russia, on October 22, 2024. (AP)
Senior aides to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are set to visit Russia in the coming days, just after US President Donald Trump escalated threats to impose tariffs over New Delhi’s close ties with Moscow, according to officials familiar with the matter.
Trump announced plans to increase tariffs on Indian exports, accusing New Delhi of profiting from the resale of sanctioned Russian oil on the open market.
“India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian oil, they are then, for much of the oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits … Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA. Thank you for your attention to this matter!!!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Last week, Trump said India would face a 25% tariff on its exports to the United States starting August 1. He added that New Delhi would also face penalties for purchasing Russian military and energy equipment. Despite referring to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a friend, Trump expressed dissatisfaction with India’s level of trade engagement with the US.
India preparing contingency plans
Although Indian officials have not issued a formal response to the new tariffs, sources suggest that the government is preparing contingency plans, including exploring new export markets and trade partnerships.
Despite recent pressures, India's broader trade strategy remains focused on balancing domestic industrial development with international engagement.
Indian officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the discussions remain confidential, said National Security Advisor Ajit Doval will travel to Russia this week, followed later in the month by Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar.
Although both trips are part of routine annual consultations and had been scheduled in advance, they come amid rising tensions in US-India relations over New Delhi’s ties with Moscow.
New Delhi has defended its position, calling US and EU criticism of its trade with Russia “unjustified and unreasonable," emphasizing that the EU and US continue to buy energy and other materials from Russia.
Modi has maintained strong ties with Putin, highlighted by his recent visit to Russia and an expected visit from Putin to India later this year. Despite growing tensions with Trump, India reaffirmed its solid partnership with Moscow and continues to purchase Russian oil.
