Trump puts India on notice over doing business with Russia – National & International News – WED 30Jul2025
Trump takes India to task for doing business with Russia
earlier this week, President Trump shortened his 50 day window demanding a Russia Ukraine cease fire to 10 days. After that point, he has threatened to impose “secondary sanctions” in the form of high tariffs (up to 100%) on countries who continue to purchase oil and other goods from Russia.
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2024, China has become Russia’s most important trading partner and largest consumer overall of its fossil fuels. However, the inconvenient fact is that there are also many US allies who continue to purchase large volumes of Russian fossil fuels, even if many have decreased their purchases. For example, the European Union remains the single largest consumer of Russia’s liquid natural gas. In fact, the EU has only recently proposed a ban on Russian fossil fuel imports, which would only take effect in 2027.
US ally India has also increased Its purchases of Russian coal, crude oil, and other petroleum products in recent years due to their decrease in price. Up to now, India has hedged its bets by continuing to take advantage of cheap Russian fuel while maintaining strong trade relations with the West and the US in particular. Despite the desire to pressure Russia economically and diplomatically, the US has largely tolerated India’s playing both sides. President Trump also has famously warm relations with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Today, Trump announced a 25% tariff on India as well as other unspecified penalties for continuing to purchase Russian oil and military equipment. The announcement may be a warning that India and perhaps other US allies will face consequences for continuing to trade with Russia.
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