U.S. President Donald Trump has doubled tariffs on Indian exports to 50%, ratcheting up pressure on New Delhi to curb its purchases of Russian crude. The White House says the higher duties are intended to deprive Moscow of revenue used to fund its war in Ukraine. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has refused to shift course. He publicly urged citizens to buy locally made goods while officials signaled that no directive has been issued to cut Russian oil imports, which have helped keep domestic fuel prices stable since the Ukraine conflict began. Modi held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on 8 Aug., discussing Ukraine and the broader bilateral agenda. He invited Putin to India later this year for the 23rd India-Russia annual summit, reiterating a goal of deepening what both sides call their “special and privileged strategic partnership.” The standoff highlights India’s effort to balance energy security and longstanding ties with Moscow against its expanding, but increasingly fractious, relationship with Washington. Economists warn the expanded tariffs could squeeze Indian exporters, adding to growth risks if the dispute escalates further.