Washington, September 10, 2025: US President Donald Trump has asked the European Union to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on India and China in a joint move to raise the economic cost for Russia over its war in Ukraine, the Financial Times reported Wednesday.
The demand reportedly came during a call Trump made to senior US and EU officials meeting in Washington to explore tougher sanctions on Moscow. According to officials cited by the report, Washington is ready to “mirror” any tariffs the EU places on India and China.
The move comes at a delicate moment in India-US ties. Relations have soured since Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent, adding an extra 25 per cent duty linked to New Delhi’s continued imports of Russian crude oil. India has described the step as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.”
Tensions contrast sharply with the warmer public messaging between Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who recently exchanged positive notes about strengthening bilateral relations and moving toward a trade agreement.
However, Trump administration officials have sharpened their rhetoric against India. White House trade advisor Peter Navarro accused New Delhi of turning itself into a “refining hub and oil money laundromat for the Kremlin.”
India has defended its Russian oil purchases, insisting its energy policy is guided by national interest and market realities.
The latest tariff push highlights the growing complexity of Washington’s strategy to tighten pressure on Moscow while managing strained relations with key partners.
Trump Urges EU to Target India, China With Tariffs Amid Push to Pressure Russia
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