United States President Donald Trump has made it clear that there will be no progress on trade negotiations with India until the current tariff dispute is resolved. His statement follows the White House’s decision to impose a total of 50% tariffs on Indian goods — half already in effect and the remaining 25% set to take effect on August 27.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Trump was asked whether he anticipated stronger trade engagement with New Delhi after the tariff announcement. He responded with a shrug and said, “No, not until we get it resolved.”
The latest round of tariffs stems from India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, which Washington claims undermines U.S. efforts to pressure Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine. In an executive order issued on Wednesday, the White House announced an additional 25% tariff specifically targeting India for its oil trade with Russia.
The order alleged that India’s resale of Russian oil on the open market — often at significant profit — was indirectly boosting Russia’s ability to fund its war. “President Trump aims to deter countries from supporting the Russian Federation’s economy through oil imports and impose serious economic consequences on the Russian Federation for its ongoing aggressions,” the statement read.
India has defended its oil purchases from Russia in the past, arguing that they are in line with its national energy security needs. However, Washington’s decision significantly raises the stakes in U.S.-India trade relations, potentially affecting billions of dollars in bilateral commerce.
The escalating tariff measures come at a time when both nations are strategic partners in the Indo-Pacific region, raising questions about how this dispute will impact broader diplomatic and security cooperation. For now, Trump’s message is unambiguous — trade talks are on hold until the tariff issue is settled.