U.S. President Donald Trump [AFP=Yonhap News] 

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on the 2nd (local time) that India has decided to stop purchasing Russian crude oil, and as a result, reciprocal tariffs on India will be lowered from 25% to 18%.

President Trump stated via the social media platform Truth Social that he spoke with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier that morning and discussed various topics, including trade and ending the Russia-Ukraine war.

He added, "Prime Minister Modi agreed to stop purchasing Russian crude oil and to buy significantly more from the United States, and potentially from Venezuela," stating, "This will help end the war in Ukraine, which is taking thousands of lives every week."

He then announced, "Based on my friendship and respect for Prime Minister Modi, and at his request, we have agreed to a U.S.-India trade agreement that will go into effect immediately," adding, "The United States will reduce reciprocal tariffs (on India) from 25% to 18%."

President Trump had urged India and other European countries to stop purchasing Russian crude oil, arguing that it serves as a funding source for Russia's war in Ukraine.

High tariffs had been imposed on India specifically due to its purchase of Russian crude oil.

President Trump continued, "India will also work to reduce tariffs and non-tariff barriers to the United States to zero," and stated, "Prime Minister Modi has pledged a much higher level of 'Made in America' purchases, in addition to over $500 billion in U.S. energy, technology, agricultural products, coal, and other goods."

He added, "Our amazing relationship with India will only become stronger in the future."

Last year, President Trump's decision to increase tariffs on India, citing reasons such as Russian energy purchases, had caused friction between the U.S. and India. This move drew considerable criticism within the U.S., as it could weaken India, a key partner for the U.S. in its efforts to counter China.