Trump threatens India with more tariffs over Russia oil

Delhi’s ambiguity no longer works: expert

- MANOJ KUMAR SHIVANGI ACHARYA

The United States could raise tariffs on India if New Delhi does not meet Washington's demand to curb purchases of Russian oil, President Donald Trump said on Sunday, escalating pressure on the South Asian country as trade talks remain inconclusive.

"[Prime Minister Narendra] Modi is a good guy. He knew I was not happy, and it was important to make me happy," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.

"They do trade, and we can raise tariffs on them very quickly," Trump said in response to a question on India's Russian oil purchases.

India's commerce ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Trump's comments follow months of trade negotiations after the US doubled import tariffs on Indian goods to 50% last year as punishment for its heavy buying of Russian oil.