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Ambani Family postpones New York cultural events amid strained U.S.-Indian trade relations

The family of billionaire Mukesh Amanbi has postponed an event in New York citing "unforeseen circumstance". This decision was made after Washington raised tariffs on Indian imports over its purchase of Russian oil.

The Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre did not give any details on the reasons behind the postponement. "India Weekend" was originally scheduled to begin on September 12th at the Lincoln Center. However, the decision came amid worsening U.S. India relations.

Last week, the administration of President Donald Trump doubled tariffs for a number of Indian imports up to 50%. U.S. officials have criticised India's purchases discounted Russian crude oil, saying that they undermine efforts to end the Russian conflict in Ukraine. They have not mentioned Ambani.

Mukesh ambani's Reliance Industries operates the largest refinery complex in Gujarat, and is India's top buyer of Russian oil.

Nita, Mukesh's wife, and chair of the cultural center, Nita, was to host a cultural event with Michelin-starred chef Vikas Khanna, designer Manish malhotra, and "The Great Indian Musical : Civilization to nation".

India has justified its purchases of Russian oil, which made up 35% of the country's supply in the first six months of 2025, by citing economic reasons. It has also criticised the U.S., the European Union, for singling New Delhi out over its Russian purchases.

Reliance Industries and Rosneft have a crude oil supply agreement for approximately 500,000 barrels of crude oil per day. This is the largest deal between India's Rosneft. Reliance has a significant exposure to the U.S. markets.

Ambani, in his annual address, urged Indian business to "work together as a great coalition with unity" to protect the economy from external shocks. He also called for greater self-reliance among key technologies and industries.

The cultural centre stated that the NMACC will return to New York in the future. Ticket holders will be refunded. (Reporting and editing by Frances Kerry.)

(source: Reuters)