Trump explains reason for 50% tariff on India

US President Donald Trump has once again said that 50% tariff has been imposed on India because of its oil purchases from Russia. He admitted that this step has worsened relations between the two countries.

Trump said this in an interview with Fox News on Friday (September 12).

The US president said, look - India was Russia's largest buyer. I imposed 50% tariff on India because they buy oil from Russia. This is not an easy task to do.

India has continued to buy oil from Russia despite Western sanctions after the invasion of Ukraine. In protest, Trump imposed tariffs of up to 50% on some Indian exports. Trump described this move as a 'big deal' and said, 'This is what causes our conflict with India.'

Earlier, Trump first imposed an additional 25% tariff on imports from India. Later, from August 27, the tariff was doubled to 50%.

After weeks of diplomatic tension, Trump said he would speak to Prime Minister Narendra Modi soon. Trump said his administration was continuing to discuss trade barriers with India.

The US ambassador to India, Sergio Gore, said he expected progress on the issue when the Indian commerce minister visits Washington next week. Gore said we hold our friends to a different standard. He wants India to be with the United States, not away. But he also noted that Trump had not personally attacked Modi.

In the same interview, Trump said his patience with Russian President Vladimir Putin was running out, but he stopped short of threatening new sanctions over the war in Ukraine. He spoke of his long-standing good relationship with Putin but expressed disappointment over the failure to end the war.

Trump also said that sanctions on banks and oil could be an option in addition to tariffs, but that European countries would need to participate.