Donald Trump has lifted tariffs imposed on India, citing assurances on oil and trade, while Indian officials stress energy security and avoid confirming any pledge on Russian crude.

New Delhi: Former US President Donald Trump has issued an executive order lifting tariffs imposed on Indian goods, a move he linked to what the order described as commitments by India on energy purchases and strategic cooperation.

The tariff, introduced in August 2025 over India’s purchase of Russian crude, will be withdrawn from February 7. The executive order claims that India agreed to stop importing Russian oil, increase purchases of US energy and expand defence ties, with Washington reserving the right to monitor compliance.

However, a separate joint trade statement outlining the broader agreement makes no reference to Russian oil. Instead, it focuses on India reducing duties on select US products such as almonds and soybeans, alongside plans to significantly expand bilateral trade.

In New Delhi, ministers avoided direct answers on oil-related queries, reiterating that India’s energy decisions are guided by national interest and the needs of 1.4 billion people. Opposition parties, meanwhile, criticised the development as a capitulation, even as oil imports continue without any announced policy shift.

Analysis: The contrast between Washington’s claims and New Delhi’s silence highlights the ambiguity surrounding the deal. While tariff relief offers short-term trade gains, the lack of clarity on energy commitments could keep the issue politically and diplomatically sensitive in the weeks ahead. This assessment reflects analytical opinion; all factual details above are drawn from the original content.