Trump tariffs on India aimed at ending Russia-Ukraine war.
Earlier, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent sharply criticized India, accusing New Delhi of “profiteering” by purchasing discounted Russian oil and reselling it in global markets for profit. His remarks have stirred tensions not only between Washington and New Delhi but also with Beijing, which is closely monitoring the evolving situation. Bessent argued that India’s actions are indirectly supporting Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine, while at the same time complicating Western attempts to isolate Russia economically. The accusations have added another layer of strain to U.S.-India-China relations.
On Tuesday, August 19, 2025, the White House made a striking announcement that immediately drew global attention. Speaking at her daily press briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump has formally imposed sanctions on India. The move, according to the administration, is part of a broader push to pressure nations that continue their economic engagements with Russia and, in Trump’s words, “bring this war to a close.”
He has made himself very clear—he wants to see this war end.”
The Russia-Ukraine war, now stretching well into its third year, has claimed thousands of lives, displaced millions, and unsettled economies far beyond Europe. For the Trump administration, ending the war has become both a diplomatic and political priority.
India, the world’s most populous country and a fast-growing economy, has maintained a delicate balancing act since the war began. While officially calling for peace and dialogue, New Delhi has significantly increased its imports of discounted Russian oil, helping to cushion its domestic economy but also indirectly supporting Moscow’s revenues. Western critics, particularly in Washington, argue that this undercuts their attempts to isolate Russia financially.
By directly targeting India with sanctions, Trump is signaling that no country, no matter how strategically important, is exempt from U.S. pressure. It is a gamble. India is a key American partner in countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific, and the relationship has grown closer over the past decade. Yet the White House clearly believes the urgency of ending the war in Ukraine outweighs the risk of straining ties with New Delhi.
Reactions have already begun pouring in. Analysts note that India is unlikely to bow quickly, given its strong tradition of strategic autonomy. Some even worry the move could push India closer to Moscow and Beijing, potentially reshaping alliances in ways Washington may not intend.
For the President, this is not just a foreign policy maneuver but also a public message: the United States is prepared to use every tool at its disposal to push for peace. Whether these sanctions will succeed in accelerating an end to the Russia-Ukraine war remains uncertain, but they have already placed India squarely at the center of the global debate.