Delhi: US President Donald Trump has claimed that Russia lost India as one of its major oil customers after America imposed additional tariffs on Indian purchases of Russian oil.
Trump made this assertion after the United States announced a 25% additional penalty on India for buying Russian oil. The move brings total US tariffs on India to 50% following the August 6 announcement of extra duties, which will take effect from August 27.
However, in an interview, Trump stated he does not intend to impose such additional charges on other countries purchasing Russian oil immediately. He said he might need to consider tariff implications in two or three weeks, but stressed no immediate action was required.
India has clarified that Russian oil purchases continue unaffected despite Trump’s threats. The country maintained its energy import policies following the tariff announcements.
Trump and Putin discuss Ukraine war as Russia lost India claims emerge
Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks on the Ukraine war late Friday night in Alaska. India welcomed this diplomatic engagement, with the Ministry of External Affairs stating that the world wants to see the Russia-Ukraine conflict end.
The two leaders met for approximately three hours in Alaska on Friday night, focusing on ending the Ukraine war. Following their discussions, Putin and Trump conducted a brief 12-minute joint press conference without taking questions from journalists.
During the press conference, Trump described their meeting as very positive and said they agreed on several points, though no deal was finalized. He emphasized that any agreement would only materialize when it reaches final form.
Trump rated the meeting 10 out of 10, while Putin stated that Russia’s security remains his top priority. Putin suggested holding their next meeting in Moscow before both leaders immediately left the platform after making their statements.
