US president Donald Trump on Friday said his decision to impose a 50% tariff on India over its purchases of Russian oil is “a big deal” that “caused a rift” between the two countries.Speaking on Fox & Friends, the US President said the move was not taken lightly but was necessary to send a message. “Look, India was their biggest customer. I put a 50 per cent tariff on India because they're buying oil from Russia. That's not an easy thing to do. That's a big deal and it causes a rift with India,” he said.

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I solve wars that was unsolvable,” he said.On August 7, the United States imposed a 25% tariff on India, along with an additional 25% punitive tariff, citing New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil. India has strongly rejected the allegation, calling the tariffs"unjustified and unreasonable."'Not that far apart on a deal'The tariffs on India come at a sensitive time in US-India relations. Washington’s ambassador-designate to Delhi, Sergio Gor, told senators this week that India’s protectionist policies had created obstacles but emphasised the partnership remained strong. He said President Trump had a “deep friendship” with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling it “incredible” given the tariffs.Gor also said a trade deal could be close. “We are not that far apart right now on a deal. In fact, they're negotiating the nitty-gritty of a deal,” he explained, suggesting an agreement could be reached within weeks.