Trump says tariffs on India’s oil imports deal major blow to Moscow ahead of Alaska talks

Ahead of his upcoming meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, US President Donald Trump on Monday highlighted the impact of American tariffs on India’s purchases of Russian oil, calling it a “big blow” to Moscow’s economy.

Trump identified India as one of Russia’s largest oil buyers and emphasized how US trade duties and global pressures have “very well disturbed” Russia’s economic situation. At a White House press conference, Trump remarked, “Russia’s economy is not doing well right now because it’s been very well disturbed by this.” He noted Russia’s vast potential but said the country needs to focus on rebuilding internally amid current challenges.

Trump specifically referenced India’s role, 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% tariff on you if you buy oil from Russia. That was a big blow.” This refers to the Trump administration’s imposition of a 25% reciprocal tariff on India, along with an additional 25% tariff on its Russian oil imports, totaling 50%. India has strongly condemned these tariffs as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.”

Confirming his meeting with Putin in Alaska on Friday, Trump called the visit “very respectful,” highlighting that the Russian president is coming to the US rather than vice versa or meeting at a third country. Trump expressed optimism about having “constructive conversations” and mentioned plans to engage European leaders and facilitate talks between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Trump also claimed that during his second term, he has resolved five wars and asserted—without official confirmation—that he helped stop the conflict between India and Pakistan. However, India has clarified that the ceasefire was a result of direct talks between military officials of both countries.