US President Highlights Impact of 50% Tariffs on India’s Russian Oil Imports.
The United States has imposed steep tariffs on India, including a 25% reciprocal tariff and an additional 25% duty on India’s purchases of Russian oil, totaling a 50% levy. Speaking from the White House, former US President Donald Trump said these tariffs have dealt a “big blow” to Russia’s struggling economy.
Trump Criticizes Russia’s Economy and India’s Role
Trump commented that Russia’s economy is not doing well, largely due to global pressures and the impact of US tariffs on countries like India. He said:
“Their economy is not doing well right now because it’s been very well disturbed by this.”
Trump highlighted that warning India of these tariffs was part of his strategy, stating:
“Doesn’t help when the President of the United States tells their largest or second-largest oil buyer that we’re putting a 50 per cent tariff on you if you buy oil from Russia. That was a big blow.”
Tariffs Serve Multiple Purposes, According to Trump
Trump also claimed that the tariffs have helped the US generate revenue and exert power over geopolitical conflicts. He credited these tariffs for aiding in resolving several longstanding conflicts, including the India-Pakistan dispute and the Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict.
“We solved five wars — Pakistan and India. Azerbaijan and Armenia — it was raging for 37 years,” Trump said.
Trump on US-Russia Relations and Future Prospects
When asked about the potential for normal trade relations between the US and Russia, Trump said it depends on Moscow’s future actions:
“If Vladimir Putin would go toward business instead of toward war… Russia is a warring nation. That’s what they do.”
On the prospects of a truce between Russia and Ukraine, Trump said:
“We’re going to have a meeting with Vladimir Putin. At the end of that meeting, probably in the first two minutes, I’ll know whether or not a deal can be made.”
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