Trump Hints Pakistan Could One Day Sell Oil to India as US Backs Development of ‘Massive Reserves’

Washington – Former US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday (IST) that the United States has reached an agreement with Pakistan to jointly develop what he called “massive oil reserves” — and even hinted that the oil might eventually be exported to India.

The announcement comes just a day after Trump imposed 25% tariffs on Indian exports and warned of further penalties in response to India’s continued oil and arms trade with Russia.

Posting on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump wrote:
“We have just concluded a deal with the country of Pakistan, whereby Pakistan and the United States will work together on developing their massive oil reserves. We are in the process of choosing the oil company that will lead this partnership. Who knows, maybe they'll be selling oil to India someday!”

This move signals a notable shift, especially amid growing economic tensions with India. Trump had recently slammed New Delhi for maintaining strong energy and defense ties with Moscow and cited this as a reason for the latest tariffs on Indian goods.

In his post, Trump also emphasized that his administration is actively engaged in global trade negotiations.
“We are very busy in the White House today working on trade deals. I have spoken to the leaders of many countries, all of whom want to make the United States ‘extremely happy’,” he wrote.

He specifically mentioned an upcoming meeting with a South Korean trade delegation. South Korea currently faces a 25% tariff, and Trump said he is open to hearing their proposal to reduce it.

“These agreements will help reduce America’s trade deficit,” Trump claimed, promising a full report “at the appropriate time.”

When asked by reporters about the Indian tariffs and growing diplomatic friction, Trump reiterated his concerns over India’s role in BRICS — the bloc of emerging economies comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and recent additions.

“We’re in negotiations right now, and it’s also about BRICS. BRICS is essentially a group that’s anti-United States, and India is a part of it — if you can believe that. It’s an attack on the dollar, and we’re not going to let anyone undermine the dollar. So yes, it’s partly about BRICS and partly about trade,” Trump said.

He indicated that talks with India are ongoing and that more clarity is expected by the end of the week.

With inputs from IANS