‘Colossal Blunder’: US journalist says India-US trade deal to hurt New Delhi if agreed on Trump’s terms | India News

US President Donald Trump shook up Indian politics by claiming that New Delhi had agreed to end oil purchases from Russia as part of the India-US trade deal. He also said that India will purchase American oil and Venezuelan crude oil to meet its energy demands. However, Trump announced that the US will reduce customs duties on India by 18%. But the opposition was quick to point out problems with President Trump’s claims and within hours had the Modi government cornered.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News that as part of the deal, American tariffs will be 18% on Indian products but zero tariffs on American goods. “As you all saw yesterday, the President made another major trade deal with India. He spoke directly to Prime Minister Modi. They share a very good relationship. India has now committed to not only buying Russian oil, but also oil from the United States and perhaps from Venezuela, which we now know will directly benefit the United States and the American people. And in addition, Prime Minister Modi has committed to investing $500 billion in the United States, including transportation, energy and agricultural products. So that’s another thing, Leavitt.” Addressing the press, he said, “We made a great trade deal, thanks to President Trump.”

.@PressSec: “As you all saw yesterday, @POTUS “Another major trade agreement has been made with India… India has now committed not only not to buy Russian oil but also to buy oil from the USA… Prime Minister Modi has committed to invest $500 billion in the USA.” pic.twitter.com/Qz61lF6Nt3— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 3, 2026

Although Trump claimed that India will stop buying oil from Russia, the same has not been confirmed by Prime Minister Modi or any Indian official.

Reacting to Russia’s oil claim, US journalist Rick Sanchez said that if Modi accepts this agreement, it will be a ‘colossal blunder’.

“India’s biggest oil supplier is completely off Russian oil – Trump is stunning everyone by claiming that PM Modi has agreed to a complete halt to all purchases of Russian oil. So what’s the price? Ironically, high oil costs from Venezuela are hitting taxpayers hard, and a deal with a not exactly reliable partner – where Delhi will STILL face tariffs. Modi hasn’t approved this yet; it would be a colossal mistake if he did. I’m waiting for Russia India’s official approval,” he said. Sánchez.

Congress leader Supriya Shrinate also asked PM Modi to explain this complete surrender; Here, Indian goods are subject to 18% customs duty, while duty-free entry to America is granted. The opposition questions why India agreed to a trade deal with 18% tariffs while eliminating tariffs on American products. For now, there has been no response from the government on this issue.