India, Sept. 13 -- US President Donald Trump acknowledged that the 50% tariff imposed on India has caused a "rift" between the countries, describing the penalty as a "big deal" during a Fox News interview on Friday as his administration weighs expanding sanctions against Moscow.

"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," Trump said, while claiming he had done "a lot" on sanctioning Russia for its refusal to make peace in Ukraine.

The acknowledgment of tensions comes as the administration considers expanding sanctions against Moscow following Trump's high-profile meeting with Russia...