<h1>President cites close rapport with India PM while defending 50% tariffs tied to Russian oil; India denies mediation claims</h1> The US President stated a close personal rapport with the Indian prime minister while defending a tariff and sanctions policy that doubled duties on Indian goods to 50%, including extra duties tied to India's purchase of Russian crude. He framed tariffs and sanctions as leverage to influence global oil prices and to pressure buyers of Russian oil, asserting such measures aim to alter Russia's conduct in the Ukraine conflict. India has characterized its energy purchases as market-driven and denied third-party mediation in its military de-escalation with Pakistan, contradicting the US President's claims of direct US intervention to broker a ceasefire.