Russia Gets a Shock Due to Tariff on India... Trump Makes a Big Statement Before Alaska Talks, Things May Get Worse

Trump-Putin Talks in Alaska: To resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict, US President Donald Trump has extended a hand toward Vladimir Putin. However, just ahead of the planned talks, he is also issuing provocative statements—potentially worsening the situation.

Russia Shocked by US Tariff on India... Trump’s Bold Remarks Before Talks

US President Donald Trump on Monday described his decision to impose a 50 percent tariff on India as a major blow to Russia, since India is a key buyer of Russian oil. Trump further criticized Russia's economy, claiming he was prepared to take even more significant steps against Russian oil exports. He also claimed that he had received a call for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

While extending an olive branch to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Trump is simultaneously escalating tensions with his comments. When Russia failed to respond to America’s 10-day deadline, the US took the initiative to propose peace talks. However, Trump’s recent statements may now complicate the process.

Trump Criticizes Russia Ahead of Meeting With Putin

During his announcement about the upcoming meeting with Putin in Alaska on August 15, Trump said:

"I am going to meet him… His economy is not doing well right now because it has been significantly impacted. When the President of the United States tells their biggest—or second-biggest—oil buyer that if you purchase oil from Russia, we will impose a 50 percent tariff on you, it sends a shockwave."

Tensions Rise Between India and the US

Trump’s remarks come at a time when US-India relations are under strain. The US initially imposed a 25 percent tariff on Indian goods and later added another 25 percent, citing India’s continued oil trade with Russia. Strikingly, no new tariffs were announced on China—Russia’s largest oil buyer.

India reacted strongly, calling the tariffs "unfair and impractical" and condemning what it described as the double standards of the US and EU regarding Russia.

India's Ministry of External Affairs pointed out that while criticising India, the US continues to import uranium hexafluoride from Russia for its nuclear industry. When questioned about this, US officials deflected and even threatened additional sanctions on India.

Trump also stated that trade talks with India would be put on hold until the issue of India’s energy relations with Russia is fully resolved. This was his response to a question regarding the future of US-India trade negotiations.

PC: Hindinews18