Washington— The White House announced that U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed steep tariffs on India as part of a strategy to hasten the end of the Russia-Ukraine war. According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the tariffs, which doubled to 50% with an additional 25% levy on top of an existing 25% rate, are designed to exert “secondary pressure” on Moscow by targeting India’s trade, particularly its purchase of Russian oil. The new rates will take effect on August 27, Leavitt confirmed during a press briefing.
The decision follows Trump’s recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House, where discussions signaled potential progress toward a trilateral summit involving Russian President Vladimir Putin. Leavitt emphasized Trump’s commitment to resolving the conflict swiftly, noting that he has dismissed suggestions to delay negotiations. “The President has applied significant public pressure to end this war, including actions like sanctions on India,” she told reporters, underscoring Trump’s intent to curb Russia’s war efforts.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent accused India of profiting by reselling Russian oil, a practice he claimed has escalated since the Ukraine conflict began. Bessent, speaking to CNBC, contrasted India’s actions with China’s, noting that China, a larger buyer of Russian oil, has faced no similar penalties. He described India’s oil trade as an “arbitrage” that undermines efforts to isolate Russia economically. The remarks come amid strained U.S.-India relations, with India labeling the tariffs as “unjustified and unreasonable.”
The White House’s move is part of broader diplomatic efforts, including Trump’s recent summit with Putin in Alaska, which European leaders have praised for advancing peace talks. India’s Ministry of External Affairs has yet to confirm any shift in its Russian oil imports, despite Trump’s claims that the tariffs prompted India to reconsider its purchases, these developments follow tensions sparked by India’s continued energy and defense ties with Russia.
Trump’s Tariffs on India Aim to Pressure Russia in Ukraine Conflict, White House Says
