Trump warns of higher tariffs on India over Russian oil purchases

Republican senator says he backs legislation that would impose rates of up to 500%

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Motorists at a petrol station in Bengaluru in December. There have been months of trade talks after the US doubled import tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent as punishment for buying Russian oil. One analyst says India is in a 'strategic grey zone' after refiners cut Russian imports but did not stop buying entirely. PHOTO: AFP

(AFP)

The United States could raise tariffs on India if New Delhi does not meet Washington’s demand to curb purchases of Russian oil, US President Donald Trump said on Jan 4, escalating pressure on the South Asian coun-

try 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,’ Mr Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.

“They do trade, and we can raise tariffs on them very quickly,” Mr 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.