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Says action could be ‘devastating’, keeps option open amid stalemate with Putin

New Delhi: US President Donald Trump signalled that Washington may refrain from imposing secondary tariffs on countries importing Russian crude, easing concerns that India could face additional penalties for continuing its purchases. In an interview with Fox News aboard Air Force One while en route to Alaska for his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump acknowledged that such measures would have a devastating effect if enforced. “Well, he (Putin) lost an oil client, so to speak, which is India, which was doing about 40 per cent of the oil. China, as you know, is doing a lot… And if I were to impose a secondary sanction, or a secondary tariff, it would be very devastating from their standpoint. If I have to do it, I’ll do it. Maybe I won’t have to do it,” Trump said. The high-stakes Trump–Putin meeting in Alaska concluded without any breakthrough on ending the Russia–Ukraine war.

Treasury Warning

Just two days earlier, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had indicated that if talks with Moscow failed, secondary sanctions on India could be expanded. In an interview with Bloomberg, Bessent said: “We put secondary tariffs on the Indians for buying Russian oil. And I could see, if things don’t go well, then sanctions or secondary tariffs could go up.”

He added that sanctions could be tightened or eased, depending on circumstances: “Sanctions can go up, they can be loosened. They can have a definitive life. They can go on indefinitely.”

India in the Crosshairs

India, one of the largest buyers of discounted Russian crude since the war began, has already been hit by a 50% US tariff package, including 25% linked explicitly to its oil imports from Russia. The duties are set to take effect from August 27.

New Delhi has strongly criticised Washington’s move. Responding to the tariff hike, the Ministry of External Affairs said: “Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security. The targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable.”

Strategic Implications Analysts believe Trump’s mixed signals — warning of “devastating” consequences but also suggesting restraint — reflect Washington’s attempt to balance pressure on Russia with maintaining ties with India, a key strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific.