3 weeks ago
Last Updated:August 07, 2025, 10:28 IST
Donald Trump imposed a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods for buying Russian oil but said the move may or may not be linked to the "productive talks" held with Russia.
A file photo of US President Donald Trump (AP)
As Donald Trump signed an executive order levying an additional 25 per cent tariff on India for buying Russian crude oil, he said that Washington and Moscow have made a “lot of progress" in working towards ending the Ukraine War.
Trump also said he was not sure if the “productive talks" between the United States and Russia had anything to do with putting an additional tariff on India.
“We put a 50 per cent tariff on India," he said on Wednesday (local time), “I don’t know if that had anything to do with it, but we’ve had very productive talks today" (with Russia), he added.
This came as Trump’s Special Envoy, Steve Witkoff, held a three-hour meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and both sides were positive about it.
As the end of the punitive tariff hinges on peace in Ukraine, Trump said, “We had some very good talks with President Putin today."
“There’s a very good chance" that they were reaching the end of the road to peace, he added.
Trump said that there was a “good prospect" for a tripartite meeting between him, Putin, and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Kremlin Spokesperson Yury Ushakov said Putin and Witkoff had “a rather useful and constructive conversation."
He announced a 25 per cent tariff on India in his general tariff war last week, and on Wednesday morning, he announced an extra 25 per cent tariff for buying Russian oil.
India, which called it “unfortunate", said it “will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests."
Asked by a reporter if the 25 per cent punitive tariff on India would end if there was an agreement with Moscow on ending the war, he indicated it could happen.
“We’ll determine that later, but right now, they’re paying a 50 per cent tariff."
ALSO READ | Trump’s Tariffs May Hurt US Manufacturers, He’ll Back Down If India Stands Firm: Observers
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
August 07, 2025, 10:26 IST
News world 'I Don't Know': Trump On If Additional Tariffs On India Influenced Progress In Russia Talks
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