‘Not Until...’: Trump Pauses Trade Negotiations With India Over Russian Oil Purchases

Last Updated:August 08, 2025, 08:58 IST

Donald Trump indicated that trade negotiations with India will be put on hold until the issue of Russian oil purchase is "resolved".

Donald Trump pauses trade talks with India (Reuters Image)

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (local time) indicated that there will be no trade negotiations with India until the issue of New Delhi’s energy ties with Moscow is “resolved".

His remarks came in response to a reporter’s question about whether he expected increased trade negotiations between the two countries after his announcement of 50% tariffs on India.

“No, not until we get it resolved," Trump answered.

Trump’s Tirade Against India

On Wednesday, Trump issued an Executive Order slapping an additional 25% tariff on Indian products, which took the total levies to 50%, citing New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil – something which was already called out by the Ministry of External Affairs earlier on Monday.

Trump has set himself on a continued tirade against India since Prime Minister Narendra Modi made it absolutely clear in Lok Sabha on July 29 that “no world leader asked India top stop Operation Sindoor", therefore, fact-checking Trump without naming him, who has claimed over 25 times that he mediated a ceasefire between India and Pakistan using trade as a tool.

On July 30, the very next day, Trump flagged India’s energy and defence ties with Russia and announced 25% tariffs on imports from the country, “plus a penalty".

“They have always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia, and are Russia’s largest buyer of ENERGY, along with China, at a time when everyone wants Russia to STOP THE KILLING IN UKRAINE — ALL THINGS NOT GOOD! INDIA WILL THEREFORE BE PAYING A TARIFF OF 25%, PLUS A PENALTY FOR THE ABOVE," Trump posted on Truth Social that day.

The “penalty" turned out to be 25% additional tariffs on Indian imports.

India’s Response To Trump’s Threats

As Trump announced to increase tariffs on India “substantially" on August 4, the MEA termed the levies as “unjustified and unreasonable" and called out the double standards of the United States and the European Union over their trade ties with Russia.

The statement highlighted that the US continues to import uranium hexafluoride from Russia for its nuclear industry.

On August 6, Trump announced the 25% additional tariffs, drawing a strong response from the MEA, which described the US President’s move as “extremely unfortunate".

“It is therefore extremely unfortunate that the US should choose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest. We reiterate that these actions are unfair, unjustified and unreasonable. India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests," the statement said.

PM Modi Vows To Protect Farmers’ Interests

Addressing the MS Swaminathan Centenary Conference in New Delhi on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made it clear that India will not compromise on the interests of the farmers and is ready to “pay a heavy price for it".

“For us, the interest of our farmers is our top priority," PM Modi said. “India will never compromise on the interests of farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers. I know we will have to pay a heavy price for it, and I am ready for it. India is ready for it," he said.

India has repeatedly resisted opening up sensitive areas like farming and dairy to foreign competition, saying it could harm the livelihoods of millions of people in rural areas.

Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

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