Washington, Sept 6:Very Disappointed India Continues Buying So Much Oil from Russia, Says TrumpHours after claiming that the United States had “lost” India and Russia to China, US President Donald Trump clarified his remarks but said he was “very disappointed” with India’s decision to continue buying large volumes of oil from Russia.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump said his administration had taken strong action against New Delhi in response. “I’ve been very disappointed that India would be buying so much oil, as you know, from Russia. And I let them know that. We put a very big tariff on India. Fifty per cent tariff, very high tariff,” he stated.
When asked who was responsible for “losing” India to China, as he had earlier claimed, Trump replied: “I don’t think we have.” He explained that his concern was mainly about India’s oil trade with Russia, which he believes undermines US interests.
Despite his criticism, the US President emphasised his personal ties with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “I get along very well with Modi, as you know. He’s great. He was here a couple of months ago,” Trump added, seeking to balance his tough policy stance with diplomatic warmth.