Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has adopted a defiant stance in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's escalating tariff threats over India's continued purchases of Russian oil. Modi urged Indian citizens to buy local goods amid the trade tensions. Despite the pressure, Modi's government has not issued any directive to halt Russian oil imports. In retaliation for India's oil purchases from Russia, Trump initially imposed a 25% tariff on Indian exports effective August 7, 2025, and subsequently doubled it to 50% starting August 27, 2025. This secondary tariff is viewed as a form of sanctions aimed at pressuring India to reduce its support for Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Indian state-owned oil refiners reportedly halted purchases of Russian oil following the tariff announcement. Analysts note that the U.S. is singling out India for punitive measures while refraining from imposing similar tariffs on China, which remains the largest buyer of Russian energy. This selective targeting underscores the complex geopolitical and trade dynamics involving the U.S., India, Russia, and China. The heightened tariffs and trade restrictions have raised concerns about the future of U.S.-India relations and the risks faced by Indian refiners amid this evolving landscape.