Trump Agrees to 500% Tariff Bill on Russian Oil Before US Ambassador Arrives; withdraw from India-led ISA

US President Donald Trump. File | Photo credit: Reuters

India faced a double whammy on energy on Thursday (January 8, 2026) following US President Donald Trump’s decision to back a bill imposing up to “500% tariffs” on countries buying Russian oil and to withdraw the US from India’s International Solar Alliance (ISA) among dozens of other international organisations.

The announcements came just ahead of the arrival in Delhi this weekend of US ambassador-designate Sergio Gore, who said in September that ensuring India ends imports of Russian oil is a “top priority”. Mr Gor, who was confirmed and sworn in months ago, will begin his stint in Delhi as Ambassador to Delhi and “Special Envoy for South and Central Asia” on January 12, 2026 and is expected to make public appearances.

Published – 08 Jan 2026 13:08 IST