US Threatens Higher Tariffs On India Over Russian Oil Amid Ukraine Conflict

Following Russia's intensified aerial assault on Ukraine, President Donald Trump has indicated the U.S. is prepared to escalate economic sanctions, particularly targeting countries purchasing Russian oil, such as India. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized the possibility of imposing secondary tariffs to destabilize Russia's economy and pressure President Vladimir Putin into peace negotiations, despite India's defense of its energy purchases as essential for its economy. These potential measures could increase tariffs on Indian goods beyond the current 50%, straining U.S.-India relations even as Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have expressed mutual goodwill. Meanwhile, Russian President Putin criticized tariffs as detrimental to the global economy and welcomed the return of Western companies post-conflict, dismissing the sanctions as protectionist. Trump also lamented the closer ties among India, Russia, and China, suggesting a geopolitical shift away from U.S. influence. The evolving tariff strategy highlights the tension between U.S. foreign policy objectives and India's sovereign energy decisions amid the ongoing conflict.