🇺🇸 Trump Pressures India to Cut Russian Oil — Massive Tariff Cuts on the Table in New U.S. Trade Deal

Washington, D.C. — The Trump Administration is on the verge of striking a historic trade agreement with India that could see tariffs slashed by nearly 70% — but only if New Delhi agrees to scale back its oil purchases from Russia.

According to multiple reports, the U.S. may reduce duties on Indian exports from 50% to as low as 15%–16%, a stunning turnaround in one of the most hard-fought trade negotiations of Trump’s presidency.

💥 Trump Turns Up the Pressure on Russia’s Oil Allies

President Donald J. Trump confirmed that he spoke directly with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who reportedly agreed to limit imports of Russian crude.

“He’s not going to buy much oil from Russia,” Trump said aboard Air Force One. “He wants to see that war end as much as I do. But if he keeps buying oil from Russia, those massive tariffs stay.”

The bold move ties U.S. trade policy directly to energy independence and national security — a strategy applauded by Trump supporters who favor putting America’s interests first.

💼 Inside the Trade Deal: Huge Economic Stakes for Both Nations

Sources say Washington is preparing to ease tariffs on Indian goods to the 15% range, while India considers raising import quotas on U.S. corn and agricultural products.

In return, New Delhi is seeking a built-in mechanism to revisit market access and tariff levels regularly, ensuring flexibility as global energy conditions shift.

👉 Translation: Trump’s deal could open massive new markets for American farmers and manufacturers — while reducing India’s dependence on Moscow’s oil.

🛢️ The Russian Oil Standoff

The U.S. and India have sparred for months over India’s growing imports of Russian crude. Trump imposed a 25% penalty tariff in August as punishment for those purchases — sending total duties soaring to 50%.

Indian officials countered that they must protect domestic consumers amid rising global prices, but the Trump team insists that U.S. allies must not “fund Russia’s war machine.”

“You can’t have it both ways,” one White House official said. “You don’t get American market access while buying Putin’s oil.”

🌍 Strategic Implications: India Caught Between Moscow, Beijing, and Washington

Relations cooled further after Modi met Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping last month in Beijing — a move widely seen as a snub to Trump.

Still, the two leaders have kept communication lines open, and officials on both sides now say the “broad contours of the agreement are in place.” Sensitive issues like agriculture and energy remain under final review before the deal’s expected signing at the ASEAN summit later this month.

📈 Record U.S.–India Trade Amid Tariff Tensions

Despite friction, bilateral trade between the U.S. and India hit a record $132.2 billion this year — a 10% jump from last year.

• 🇺🇸 U.S. exports to India: $45.7 billion (up 8%)
• 🇮🇳 India’s exports to the U.S.: $86.5 billion (up 11.6%)

If Trump’s tariff cuts go through, analysts say American agriculture, energy, and technology sectors could see a huge boost — and older U.S. investors could benefit from new “Made in America” expansion opportunities.

⚡ What Comes Next

The deal, if finalized, would mark one of Trump’s biggest trade victories yet — potentially reshaping global alliances and sending a strong message to Russia and China alike.

As one Indian official admitted, “We are converging on most issues. Political clearance is all that’s left.”

Expect an official announcement — and fireworks — at the ASEAN Summit.