📍 Location: Washington, D.C.
In an exclusive interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, US Vice President JD Vance revealed that President Donald Trump has imposed secondary tariffs on Indian imports as part of a strategic move to pressure Russia into ending its war in Ukraine.
“Trump has applied aggressive economic leverage, for example secondary tariffs on India, to try to make it harder for the Russians to get rich from their oil economy,” Vance stated.
🔍 Key Details:
- Tariff Increase: Indian goods now face 50% tariffs, with an additional 25% penalty linked to India’s continued purchase of discounted Russian crude oil.
- US Justification: Washington claims India’s energy trade with Moscow indirectly funds Russia’s military operations.
- India’s Response: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar defended the imports, saying India’s energy policy is driven by national interest and market dynamics.
🌐 Strategic Context:
- The US has not imposed similar penalties on China or Europe, despite their larger purchases of Russian oil.
- Trump’s administration is using economic isolation as leverage, offering Russia reintegration into the global economy—only if it halts aggression.