In a sharp warning that could strain Indo-US trade relations, former US President Donald Trump on Sunday cautioned that India would face “massive tariffs” if it continues importing oil from Russia. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump claimed Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier assured him that New Delhi would distance itself from the trade.

“I spoke with Prime Minister Modi of India, and he said he’s not going to be doing the Russian oil thing,” Trump told reporters, according to a Reuters report. The comments come amid renewed scrutiny of India’s energy imports following global sanctions against Moscow.

However, when asked about India’s denial of any such conversation, Trump appeared defiant. “But if they want to say that, then they’ll just continue to pay massive tariffs, and they don’t want to do that,” he remarked.

Trump, who had first raised the issue during a White House briefing on October 15, reiterated that Modi had promised to phase out Russian oil purchases. “He’s assured me there will be no oil purchased from Russia. You know, you can’t do it immediately. It’s a little bit of a process, but the process is going to be over with soon,” he had said.

Despite the stern warning, Trump tempered his remarks with praise for the Indian leader, calling him “a great man” and “a friend.” “Modi is a great man. He loves Trump. I’ve watched India for years. It’s an incredible country, and every single year you’d have a new leader. My friend has been there now for a long time,” he said, as quoted by Reuters.

Trump has repeatedly criticised India’s continued purchase of discounted Russian oil, arguing that such deals indirectly fund Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine. “I was not happy that India was buying oil,” he said, underscoring Washington’s expectation that its strategic partners align with its trade sanctions against Russia.