Overview

• President Donald Trump reiterated on Oct. 19 that India would face heavy tariffs if it keeps buying Russian crude linked to the war in Ukraine.
• Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, he pressed New Delhi to stop the purchases.
• Trump repeated his claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised to halt buys, while saying he did not know why the two sides differ on that understanding.
• India’s Ministry of External Affairs has not confirmed a halt and says talks with the U.S. are ongoing with consumer protection as a priority.
• No tariff action or formal Indian commitment has been announced, with the comments reported in a Kyodo Washington dispatch carried by multiple Japanese outlets.