US-India Trade Deal Cuts Tariffs, Ties to Russian Oil

United States President Donald Trump stated that India has significantly reduced its purchases of Russian crude oil following his direct request, linking the move to efforts to resolve the ongoing war in Ukraine. Speaking to reporters at a White House briefing, Trump highlighted his close relationship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a key factor in the decision. The comments came shortly after the two leaders announced an interim trade agreement that lowered U.S. tariffs on Indian goods from 50 percent to 18 percent, including the removal of an additional 25 percent tariff imposed last August over India's imports of discounted Russian oil.

The tariff hike had been part of broader U.S. pressure on countries continuing to buy Russian energy amid the conflict, which Trump described as causing thousands of deaths monthly. According to U.S. officials, the trade deal includes India's commitment to halt direct or indirect imports of Russian oil and to increase purchases of American energy products. The agreement also outlines a framework for expanded defense cooperation between the two nations over the next decade. Trump administration documents from early February noted...