Washington had previously levied 50% tariffs on New Delhi due to its acquisition of Russian oil.
Sources informed Axios and India Today that the United States is urging European Union member states to implement further tariffs on India, mirroring Washington’s 50% levies on Indian products, in response to India’s ongoing oil trade with Russia.
Axios reports that the US seeks for European nations to intensify economic pressure on Russia, advocating for “a complete cessation of all oil and gas purchases” from Moscow and the introduction of secondary tariffs targeting both India and China.
Furthermore, Axios indicated that the White House is “losing patience” with EU leaders, perceiving them as encouraging Ukraine to refuse any territorial concessions to Russia.
A senior White House official conveyed to the publication, ”The Europeans don’t get to prolong this war and backdoor unreasonable expectations, while also expecting America to bear the cost,” adding, “If Europe wants to escalate this war, that will be up to them. But they will be hopelessly snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.”
An India Today report published on Sunday corroborated the Axios assertion, further stating that Washington desires the EU to replicate its actions against India, specifically including a cessation of oil and gas imports.
Nevertheless, officials from the European bloc have not yet commented on these developments. As of 2024, the EU stands as India’s second-largest trading partner, with trade in goods valued at €120 billion ($140 billion), comprising 11.5% of India’s total trade.
The US initially levied a 25% tariff on India in early August following the breakdown of trade negotiations, subsequently announcing an additional 25% tariff linked to India’s ongoing acquisition of Russian oil. US President Donald Trump has asserted that India’s imports of Russian oil and weaponry are indirectly contributing to the Ukraine conflict.
In response, Indian Trade Minister Piyush Goyal stated that New Delhi would not “bow down” to pressure from Washington, opting instead to seek out new markets. Concurrently, Moscow has condemned the US tariffs on India, emphasizing that sovereign nations possess the right to select their trading partners.
Amidst the escalating tariff dispute, leaders from India, China, Russia, and other nations convened at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit held in Tianjin.