Trump cuts India tariffs after Modi agrees to stop Russia oil purchases

US President Donald Trump announced a trade deal with India on Monday, which involves a reduction in tariffs on Indian goods. Under this agreement, the tariff rate will decrease from 25% to 18%. This decision follows a pledge from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to halt purchases of Russian oil amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. The White House confirmed that this trade deal is linked to India's commitment regarding Russian oil imports (Trump cuts India tariffs after Modi agrees to stop Russia oil purchases; Reuters). The announcement has been described as a long-awaited trade deal, with various sources highlighting its significance. The Hindu referred to it as a "historic" agreement, while the Congress party in India criticized Modi for what they termed as a capitulation in negotiations (The Hindu). Trump emphasized the importance of this deal during his announcement, reiterating that it was contingent upon India's agreement to stop buying oil from Russia (Deutsche Welle). In summary, the trade deal marks a notable shift in US-India relations, particularly in the context of global energy politics and the response to the conflict in Ukraine. The reduction in tariffs is expected to enhance trade between the two nations, while Modi's commitment to cease Russian oil purchases aligns with US interests in the region (AP News; Politico).