WEB DESK: US President Donald Trump has warned India that the United States could raise tariffs if it does not curb Russian oil purchases.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said that “Modi knew I was not happy, and it was important to make me happy.”
“They do trade, and we can raise tariffs on them very quickly,” the president warned.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump hinted at fresh tariffs on agricultural imports from India, especially rice, as trade talks with both countries are almost at a standstill.
Speaking at a White House meeting after announcing a $12 billion relief package for American farmers, Trump said these imports were hurting local producers. He repeated that he planned to address the issue soon.
Trump said he would “take care of’’ Indian rice that is allegedly being dumped in the US. American farmers have complained that falling rice prices are linked to cheap imports from India, Thailand and Vietnam.
“They shouldn’t be dumping,” Trump said. “I heard that from others. You can’t do that.”
Trade relations with India remain tense. Earlier last year, Trump placed a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods, citing trade barriers and India’s Russian oil purchases, accusing New Delhi of indirectly supporting Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
Since then, both sides have tried to restart trade talks.
A US delegation arrived in New Delhi on December 7 for another round of discussions, though officials do not expect major progress.
Allison Hooker, the US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, is in India for a five-day visit aimed at improving strategic and economic ties.
Trump earlier said Modi had assured him that day that India would stop its Russian oil purchases. India’s foreign ministry said it was not aware of any telephone conversation between the leaders that day, but said that New Delhi’s main concern was to “safeguard the interests of the Indian consumer.”
A White House official said on that India has halved its purchases of Russian oil, but Indian sources said no immediate reduction had been seen.
The sources said Indian refiners already placed orders for November loading, including some slated for December arrival, so any cut may start showing up in December or January import numbers.
India’s imports of Russian oil are set to rise about 20% this month to 1.9 million barrels per day, according to estimates from commodities data firm Kpler, as Russia ramps up exports after Ukrainian drones hit its refineries.
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