In what appears to be a geopolitical warning to both China and Russia, former US President Donald Trump has justified his recent imposition of secondary tariffs on India. At a White House event on Wednesday, Trump clarified that India wasn’t being deliberately targeted, but rather used as a demonstration of the United States’ resolve in curbing energy ties with Moscow.
The secondary sanctions, announced just eight hours prior to Trump’s remarks, include punitive tariffs on Indian imports, officially taking effect on August 27. These new tariffs come in addition to the 50% duties already announced on Indian goods. Trump hinted more sanctions would follow, targeting other countries still trading energy with Russia.
When pressed about why India — a long-time US partner — was sanctioned while China, which imports even more Russian oil, was spared, Trump cut off the question by saying, “It’s okay… it’s okay,” before signaling that China could also face similar penalties soon. “It may happen. I don’t know, I can’t tell you yet,” he said. “But we did it with India. We’re probably doing it with others. One of them could be China.”
This strategic move is widely seen as Trump using India as a lever to pressure China and Russia into reevaluating their energy alliances, particularly in the context of the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Trump noted that India ranks second only to China in terms of Russian oil purchases. He suggested that the shock of these tariffs may have played a role in pushing Moscow back to the negotiating table with Washington.
The former president confirmed that his envoy, Steve Witkoff, had productive discussions in Moscow, possibly setting the groundwork for an upcoming summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Although no specific date or venue has been disclosed, Trump expressed cautious optimism, citing previous disappointments in talks with Russia.
Trump’s unpredictable handling of Beijing has been under fire even from his allies. Critics argue that China continues to hold strategic leverage over the US, which might explain the softer tone toward Beijing despite its deepening ties with Russia.
Meanwhile, a US trade delegation is expected to arrive in India just days before the new tariffs take effect, signaling ongoing dialogue even as the diplomatic temperature rises.
