United States President Trump expresses dissatisfaction over the perceived US loss to China in India, subsequently praises Indian Prime Minister Modi, and highlights the unique bond between the two nations.
In a series of posts on Truth Social, former President Donald Trump expressed his displeasure over India's continued purchases of Russian oil during the Ukraine conflict. This move, he believed, was funding Russia's war machine, causing the deaths of Ukrainians and Russians alike.
According to National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett, this decision is costing US taxpayers more. The US, however, has not imposed similar action on China, the largest buyer of Russian oil.
India's imports of Russian oil have significantly increased, making Russia its largest supplier. In 2024-25, Russia's share in India's oil imports stood at 35.1%, up from a mere 1.7% in 2019-20.
White House trade adviser Peter Navarro accused India of becoming an oil money laundromat for the Kremlin. Navarro's post on Truth Social also featured an old photo of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, hinting at India's closer ties to China and Russia.
In response, India has defended its purchases, citing national interest and market dynamics. However, the US imposed a 25% additional duty on Indian goods due to Delhi's purchase of Russian crude oil. This tariff increase, effective from 27 August, was described by India as "unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable."
Trump's criticism and subsequent tariffs have escalated tensions and strained Indo-American relations. India, however, has resisted US pressure and maintained its energy strategy amid global supply constraints. This diplomatic rift could potentially push India closer to China.
Despite the strained relations, Trump stated that there is "nothing to worry about" regarding the relationship with India. He also called the relationship "special" on Truth Social. However, he implied dissatisfaction with India’s closer ties to China and Russia, stating that the US had "lost" India and Russia to China.
Stalled trade negotiations have widened the rift between the US and India. Multiple rounds of negotiations failed to produce a deal due to sharp differences in areas such as agriculture and dairy. The US-India bilateral trade, worth around USD 130 billion last year, had been projected to grow.
Trump's posts on Truth Social also referred to a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin. The escalating tensions between the US and India over the Russian oil purchases, coupled with Trump's criticism of India's closer ties to China and Russia, could have significant implications for Indo-American relations in the future.
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