US President Donald Trump has indicated that India’s recent reduction in Russian oil imports was partly aimed at appeasing Washington, suggesting that the United States could impose tariffs on New Delhi “very quickly” if it so chose. Speaking alongside US Senator Lindsey Graham, Trump commented on the evolving energy trade dynamics between India, Russia, and the United States, highlighting ongoing geopolitical and economic tensions.

“Modi is a very good guy and he knew I was not happy. And it was important to make me happy. They do trade, and we could raise tariffs on them very quickly,” Trump said aboard Air Force One on Sunday local time. His remarks were prompted by Senator Graham, who shared that India’s envoy to Washington had informed him that India was purchasing less Russian oil.

Senator Graham elaborated that during a private meeting with the Indian Ambassador to the US, Vinay Kwatra, the Ambassador had focused on India’s declining imports of Russian oil and had inquired whether the United States could reconsider tariffs imposed on India. “I was at the Indian Ambassador’s house about a month ago and all he wanted to talk about is how they’re buying less Russian oil. Would you tell the president to relieve the tariff?” Graham said, recounting the conversation.

The remarks are part of an ongoing discourse that began in October 2025, when President Trump claimed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured him that India would cease purchasing oil from Russia. These developments come amid heightened scrutiny over energy trade in the context of US sanctions on Russia, following the country’s invasion of Ukraine.

Indian Oil Trade with Russia and the US

Data from the Indian Commerce Ministry’s Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics indicates that Indian oil purchases from Russia reached $3.72 billion in November 2025. However, analytics firm Kpler reported a decline in December, reflecting the impact of US sanctions on major Russian energy companies such as Rosneft and Lukoil, which had historically done significant business with India.

Simultaneously, Indian energy imports from the United States have increased. In November 2025, Indian purchases of US oil rose in value to $1.44 billion, part of India’s earlier commitment to raise energy imports from the US from $15 billion to $25 billion. Notably, Indian public sector oil companies signed a one-year deal with US energy majors for the import of 2.2 million tonnes of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), which accounts for roughly 10% of India’s total LPG imports. These moves are seen as part of India’s broader energy diversification strategy, balancing between Russian and US sources while mitigating geopolitical risk.

The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025

Senator Graham used the occasion to advocate for the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, which proposes steep 500% tariffs on goods and services exported to the United States from countries importing Russian-origin oil, natural gas, uranium, and petroleum products. The legislation also seeks to expand sanctions against Russian businesses, government institutions, and top policymakers.

“This bill will target countries like India and China,” Graham stated, emphasizing that the legislation is intended as an “economic bunker buster” in response to Russia’s “brutal invasion of Ukraine.” Graham previously announced that the bill has 84 co-sponsors, expressing confidence that it would pass in Congress.

Implications for India-US-Russia Energy Relations

Trump’s comments underscore the increasingly complex interplay between geopolitics and energy trade. While India has historically maintained a diversified energy portfolio, including substantial imports from Russia, the US administration is now actively seeking to influence India’s energy decisions through the threat of tariffs.

For India, the challenge lies in balancing energy security, economic interests, and diplomatic relations. Russian oil has traditionally been priced competitively and provides strategic leverage in global energy markets, while US imports offer stability under long-term contracts and potential for expanding energy cooperation.

The situation also highlights the broader US strategy of economic pressure aimed at discouraging countries from supporting or trading with Russia amid ongoing sanctions. The proposed sanctions could have significant economic implications for India, particularly if they extend beyond energy to other goods and services.

Wider Geopolitical Context

India’s relations with Russia have long been under scrutiny, particularly as the US imposes increasing sanctions to isolate Moscow. Simultaneously, India’s expanding strategic and economic engagement with the US—through energy, trade, and defense partnerships—requires careful navigation to avoid confrontation or loss of energy security.

Trump’s statements, and Graham’s advocacy for additional sanctions, highlight the fragility of India’s diplomatic balancing act in the current global environment. India must navigate competing pressures from Washington, Moscow, and other global stakeholders while securing energy resources crucial for its growing economy.

In addition to bilateral energy trade, Chabahar port in Iran and regional connectivity initiatives form part of India’s strategic calculations, further intertwining energy security with geopolitical considerations. India’s careful management of these relationships will be key to maintaining its autonomy in energy sourcing while ensuring access to international markets.

Conclusion

President Trump’s remarks, combined with Senator Graham’s advocacy, underline the persistent pressure on India to align its energy imports with US policy priorities, particularly regarding Russian oil. While India has already reduced Russian oil imports and increased purchases from the US, the potential for steep tariffs under the proposed Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 represents a new dimension of economic leverage.

As the global energy landscape becomes increasingly influenced by geopolitics, India faces the dual task of ensuring energy security while navigating pressures from major powers. The developments highlight the delicate balance India must maintain in its foreign policy and trade strategy to safeguard national interests without compromising economic growth.