US Ally Grows Closer To Russia
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday praised his “friend” Vladimir Putin after what he called a “very good and detailed conversation” — just as President Donald Trump slapped New Delhi with a massive 50% tariff for continuing to buy Russian oil.
Modi Strengthens Ties With Russia
In a post on X, Modi thanked Putin for updates on the Ukraine war and reaffirmed India’s commitment to the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” with Moscow. He also said he looks forward to hosting the Russian president in India later this year — a move signaling a deeper relationship despite mounting U.S. pressure.
Trump’s Tariff Hammer Falls
On Wednesday, Trump announced a 25% tariff hike on top of last week’s 25% “reciprocal” tariff, bringing total duties on Indian goods to a record 50%. The president made it clear the reason was India’s purchases of Russian crude.
Trump told CNBC that India’s ongoing purchases of Russian oil were essentially helping to power Putin’s war effort, adding that if New Delhi continued down that path, he would be far from pleased.
The new tariffs are set to take effect later this month. But Trump has also hinted at “secondary tariffs” targeting any country still doing business with Moscow.
India Fires Back at U.S. Criticism
India has rejected the White House’s accusations, accusing Washington of double standards. New Delhi points out that both past U.S. administrations and Europe have spent billions on Russian energy and commodities.
“Targeting India is unjustified and unreasonable,” an Indian foreign ministry spokesperson said Monday.
Indian officials say Russian energy is crucial to keeping prices stable for its massive domestic market — and they will take “all necessary measures” to protect national interests.
Trump’s Peace Push With Putin
Despite the economic escalation, Trump is also driving a parallel peace initiative. His special envoy, Steve Witkoff, returned from Moscow this week with a proposed framework for a Russia–Ukraine ceasefire, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Although Rubio says both sides are still far apart, U.S. and Russian officials have floated the idea of an in-person Trump–Putin summit as early as next week.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky admitted Wednesday that Russia now appears “more inclined” toward a ceasefire — crediting Trump’s maximum-pressure strategy.
Bottom line: President Trump is using tough tariffs, global leverage, and high-stakes diplomacy to force America’s rivals to the negotiating table — and India may soon have to decide whether cheap Russian oil is worth a costly trade war with Washington.
