US President Donald Trump has said his decision to impose a 50% tariff on India for purchasing Russian oil has dealt a serious hit to Russia’s economy.
Speaking at a White House press conference on Monday, Trump described India as “Russia’s largest or second-largest oil buyer” and called the tariff “a big blow” to Moscow.
The tariff was implemented in two phases — a 25% duty announced on July 30, followed by another 25% on August 7 — under an executive order targeting Russian economic interests.
Trump argued that the measures have “very well disturbed” Russia’s economy, adding that Moscow needs to “get back into building their country” despite its “tremendous potential.”
India has criticized the move, calling it “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.”
The remarks come ahead of Trump’s scheduled meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15, the first US visit by a Russian leader since 2015. The talks are aimed at brokering a ceasefire in Ukraine. Trump also plans to engage Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, hinting at a possible three-way meeting.
