India, Aug. 28 -- Donald Trump's chief economic adviser has cautioned that unless India reins in its imports of Russian crude, the US President will not soften his position on Washington's steep tariffs against Indian goods.

US National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett described trade talks with New Delhi as "complicated," accusing India of "intransigence" in allowing greater access for American products. "If the Indians don't budge, I don't think President Trump will," he remarked.

On Wednesday, Washington doubled tariffs on Indian exports to 50 per cent-the highest for any country apart from Brazil.

This includes an additional 25 per cent duty tied directly to India's Russian oil purchases.

Comparing the talks to a marathon, ...