US Warns of Higher Tariffs on India if Trump-Putin Alaska Talks Falter
The US has threatened more tariffs on India if Trump’s talks with Putin in Alaska fail, with current levies already doubled to 50% over Russian oil imports. India calls the move unfair and vows to protect farmers’ interests.
US President Donald Trump and PM Narendra Modi amid growing trade tensions over India’s Russian oil imports.
Washington Signals Tougher Measures Over India’s Russian Oil Imports
The United States has warned of further tariff hikes on India if the upcoming talks between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska fail to yield progress on ending the Ukraine war.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Bloomberg TV on Wednesday that secondary tariffs on India — already imposed over its Russian oil purchases — could be increased if “things don’t go well” at the high-stakes meeting.
Tariffs Already Doubled to 50%
Earlier this month, Trump doubled India’s tariffs to 50%, adding an additional 25% levy to the existing 25% for importing Russian oil. The US President accused New Delhi of “fueling the war machine” by continuing energy trade with Moscow.
“We’ve put secondary tariffs on Indians for buying Russian oil. And if things don’t go well, then sanctions or secondary tariffs could go up,” Bessent said.
The Alaska summit between Trump and Putin is scheduled for August 15, aimed at brokering an end to the war that began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
India Stands Firm on Farmers’ Interests
Responding to Trump’s tariff move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India “will not compromise on the interest of its farmers, even if it comes at the cost of economic consequences.”
The Ministry of External Affairs called the US action “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable”, emphasising that Indian imports are “based on market factors” and aimed at ensuring energy security for 1.4 billion citizens.
New Delhi has also pointed out that countries criticising India for buying Russian oil are themselves engaged in trade with Moscow.
Geopolitical Tensions Ahead of Talks
Bessent urged European nations to join Washington’s sanctions push, saying:
“The Europeans need to be willing to put on these secondary sanctions. The President is creating his own leverage, and we need them to help create more.”
Trump separately warned Moscow of “very severe” consequences if it refuses to halt the war after the Alaska meeting.
Earlier this week, PM Modi also spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, reaffirming India’s call for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and pledging to support international peace efforts.
