NEW DELHI: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday claimed his decision to impose steep tariffs on India for purchasing Russian oil has delivered a “big blow” to Moscow’s economy.
Speaking at a press briefing, Trump described India as Russia’s “largest or second-largest oil buyer” and said the 50% tariff on Indian goods was hitting Russia hard. Linking the measure to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, he remarked, “Their economy is not doing well right now… It doesn’t help when the US tells their largest or second-largest oil buyer, ‘We’re putting a 50 per cent tariff on you if you buy oil from Russia.’ That was a big blow.”
Trump added that he was prepared to take “far bigger” steps but paused after receiving a call from Russian President Vladimir Putin requesting a meeting. Calling the planned talks a “big deal,” he said European leaders were eager to see the war end so they could focus on domestic priorities.
The 50% tariff on Indian goods, imposed over its Russian oil imports, has been a flashpoint in US–India relations. India’s Ministry of External Affairs condemned the move as “extremely unfortunate,” stressing that several nations continue similar purchases in pursuit of their own national interests. “India will continue to protect its national interests,” the statement affirmed.
