A day after Trump announced a 25 per cent tariff “plus penalty” on India, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio Thursday voiced concern that New Delhi’s continued import of Russian oil is “most certainly a point of irritation” in the relationship between the two nations.

India is an ally. It’s a strategic partner. Like anything in foreign policy, you’re not going to align 100% of time on everything, says Rubio

Tensions between India and the US are mounting amid escalating tariff and geopolitical disputes. The US recently imposed a 25% tariff on Indian exports, with top officials linking the move to India’s continued oil trade with Russia.