NATO Secretary-General says Trump’s tariffs on India over Russian oil imports are impacting Moscow and pushing Modi to demand clarity from Putin on Ukraine
Top Highlights
- NATO Chief Mark Rutte claims India is questioning Russia’s Ukraine strategy after being hit by U.S. tariffs
- Trump imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods, including a 25% penalty for purchasing Russian oil
- India is reportedly under pressure to rethink ties with Moscow
- India-US trade talks underway amid growing tensions
- Trump urges NATO allies to impose tariffs on China and stop buying Russian oil
NATO Chief: Tariffs on India Are Hurting Russia
During an interview with CNN at the UN General Assembly in New York, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte stated that President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Indian goods are indirectly placing pressure on Russia.
“This (tariff) immediately impacts Russia… Delhi is now on the phone with Vladimir Putin, and Narendra Modi is asking him, ‘I support you, but could you explain your strategy?’” – Mark Rutte
Rutte’s comments suggest that India’s oil deals with Russia are now under scrutiny, as Trump’s 50% tariffs (25% base + 25% penalty) target nations continuing to import Russian oil, like India.
Why Is India in the Crosshairs?
India continues to be one of the largest buyers of discounted Russian oil, a stance that has raised eyebrows in Washington.
- Trump blames these purchases for funding Russia’s war effort in Ukraine
- The tariffs are seen as retaliatory measures to discourage India’s ties with Moscow
While New Delhi has maintained a non-aligned stance on the war, it has also stressed the need for a peaceful resolution.
Modi-Putin Communication Under the Spotlight
Rutte’s remarks also highlighted recent conversations between PM Modi and President Putin:
- September 17: Modi spoke to Putin on his birthday, reiterating India’s support for peace in Ukraine
- September 1: Modi and Putin traveled together in the same vehicle during the SCO Summit in China, reportedly discussing key issues for almost an hour
These interactions, while cordial, now carry geopolitical weight as India navigates pressure from both Moscow and Washington.
Trump’s Wider Strategy: Tariffs on China, Pressure on NATO
In a related development, Trump urged NATO countries to:
- Impose 50–100% tariffs on China
- Stop purchasing Russian oil
- Commit to “major sanctions” in coordination with the U.S.
He emphasized that continuing to buy Russian oil undermines NATO’s bargaining power and weakens the West’s stance against Moscow.
India-U.S. Trade Talks Continue Amid Tensions
Despite the pressure, India and the U.S. are actively pursuing a bilateral trade agreement:
- A delegation led by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met U.S. officials in New York this week
- Discussions follow earlier meetings between U.S. negotiator Brendan Lynch and India’s Rajesh Agrawal in Delhi
Trump, on Truth Social, expressed confidence:
“I look forward to speaking with my very good friend, Prime Minister Modi… I feel certain there will be no difficulty in coming to a successful conclusion.”
PM Modi responded positively on X, stating:
“Our teams are working to conclude these discussions… We will work together to secure a brighter, more prosperous future for both our people.”
