Washington — U.S. Vice President JD Vance stated that the 50% tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on Indian imports are designed to exert “aggressive economic leverage” to compel Russia to halt its military actions in Ukraine. “Meet the Press,” Vance explained that the tariffs target India’s purchase of discounted Russian crude oil, which Washington claims fuels Moscow’s war economy. He suggested that these measures aim to disrupt Russia’s ability to profit from its oil exports.
Vance expressed confidence in the U.S.’s ability to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine, noting that recent weeks have shown “significant concessions” from both sides. He emphasized that the Trump administration seeks to reintegrate Russia into the global economy if it ceases hostilities, but warned that continued aggression would lead to further isolation. The tariffs, he added, are part of a strategy to make it “harder for Russians to get rich from their oil economy.”
Tensions between New Delhi and Washington have risen since the Trump administration criticized India’s oil trade with Russia. The U.S. imposed an additional 25% duty on Indian goods, citing India’s energy purchases as support for Russia’s campaign in Ukraine, a claim New Delhi rejects. India maintains that its oil procurement is driven by national interests and market dynamics, a stance reinforced after Western sanctions on Russia in 2022 led New Delhi to buy discounted oil.
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, responding to U.S. criticism, remarked at a New Delhi event, “It’s funny to have people who work for a pro-business American administration accusing other people of doing business.” He added that countries, including the U.S. and Europe, are free to opt out of purchasing Indian oil or refined products if they object.
Notably, the U.S. has not similarly targeted China or Europe, despite their significant imports of Russian oil and gas, raising questions about the selective focus on India.
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