Trump Vows India’s ‘Massive Tariffs’ Will Remain Until Russian Oil Imports Stop

Last week, the U.S. president said that India had pledged to stop purchasing oil from Russia, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi had given an assurance.

U.S. President Donald Trump (R) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) shake hands at the White House on Feb. 13, 2025. Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

President Donald Trump on Oct. 19 said that India will continue to face “massive tariffs” if it keeps buying Russian oil.

“I spoke with Prime Minister [Narendra] Modi of India, and he said he’s not going to be doing the Russian oil thing,” the president told reporters aboard Air Force One, reiterating previous assurances he said he had received from the Indian premier.