US President Donald Trump Admits Tariffs on Indian Oil Imports Strained Ties, Stresses Ongoing Trade Talks

US President Donald Trump has acknowledged that his decision to impose steep tariffs on India for its purchase of Russian oil strained ties with New Delhi, even as he struck an optimistic note about ongoing trade negotiations. In an interview with a private TV channel, President Trump said that imposing 50 per cent tariffs on India was not an easy thing to do and was a big deal for the United States. His remarks came in response to a question on the likely action against Russia for continuing the conflict in Ukraine. Mr Trump continued, defending his actions as part of a broader effort to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war. The US President also announced that he will be hitting Russia very hard with economic measures, including tariffs.
 
 
Meanwhile, President Trump’s nominee for US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, called New Delhi a strategic partner during his Senate confirmation hearing on Thursday and promised to strengthen defence and economic ties. On Russian oil, Mr Gor emphasised that persuading India to move away from Russian oil was a top priority for the Trump administration. Mr Gor also revealed that India and the US are close to a trade deal. Last week, President Trump announced that his administration had resumed trade negotiations with India.
 
 
President Trump also described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a very good friend and said he looks forward to speaking with him in the upcoming weeks. Reacting to Mr Trump’s remarks, PM Modi, in a social media post, affirmed the strength of the India-US relationship and expressed confidence in the outcome of the ongoing trade dialogue.