Lower Tariffs, Bigger Claims, And Russian Oil Pressure: Inside The New India-US Trade Agreement

A tariff cut has been confirmed, but the fine print is where the real story lies. After Donald Trump announced a sweeping India–US trade deal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the reduction of tariffs on Indian goods to 18 percent. What India did not confirm are Trump’s claims of zero tariffs, a $500 billion purchase commitment, and an end to Russian oil imports. A US official has since said tariff relief is tied to India completely stopping Russian crude purchases, not merely reducing them. That demand collides with India’s long-standing position that energy security for 1.4 billion people comes first. Russia remains India’s largest oil supplier, and Moscow has publicly spoken of ongoing contracts. As trade talks move forward, the unresolved oil question could define whether this deal strengthens partnership—or exposes pressure beneath diplomacy.