• Trump threatens "phase-2 and phase-3" sanctions against India for buying Russian oil.
• The U.S. President claims tariffs on India have cost Russia "hundreds of billions of dollars."
• Relations between the U.S. and India are strained as Trump cancels an upcoming trip to India.
• India's government is currently negotiating trade terms while facing high tariffs from the U.S.
• Trump expresses concern over India's growing ties with China and Russia.

U.S. President Donald Trump indicated the potential for "phase-2 and phase-3" sanctions on India, reinforcing his stance that New Delhi faces significant consequences for its continued purchases of Russian oil. Trump stated during a recent Oval Office meeting that such purchases "cost hundreds of billions of dollars to Russia," dismissing a reporter's claim that no action had been taken against Moscow, according to Indiatimes and TRT Global.

During the meeting, Trump accused the reporter of misjudging U.S. actions against Russia, citing the imposition of 50% tariffs on Indian goods as punitive measures linked to oil purchases. He highlighted, "How do you know there's no action? Would you say that putting secondary sanctions on India... would you say there was no action?" This irritation with the media arose as he defended his aggressive tariff strategy, asserting they were necessary to combat unfair trade practices from both India and China, according to The Hill and Indiatimes.

Despite a previously anticipated trade deal with India, Trump's remarks reflect a significant downturn as he hinted at future tariffs amid a backdrop of deepening ties between India, Russia, and China. The President expressed disappointment over losing India's support, stating, "Looks like we’ve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China," indicating geopolitical concerns that transcend economic factors, as cited by Indiatimes and TRT Global.

India's government continues to engage with the U.S. to address trade disputes while responding to Trump's imposing tariffs that critics deem "unfair." Indian officials have stressed their commitment to protecting local economic interests amidst escalating tensions with Washington, as reported by Indiatimes and TRT Global.