NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte says US President Donald Trump’s tariffs on India for buying Russian oil are putting serious pressure on Moscow. Speaking to CNN during the UN General Assembly in New York, Rutte said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has even asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to explain his Ukraine strategy.
Trump recently imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods — 25% as a reciprocal move and another 25% as a penalty for India’s continued oil trade with Russia. According to Trump, India is indirectly supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine by purchasing its oil.
Rutte claimed that the impact was immediate: “Modi is now on the phone with Putin asking, ‘I support you, but explain your strategy. These tariffs are hurting us.’”
While neither India nor Russia has officially responded, it’s clear that tensions are growing.
Trump has also urged NATO allies to stop buying oil from Russia and slap heavy tariffs on China. Rutte agrees, saying NATO should act together to pressure Moscow.
Meanwhile, India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal held trade talks in New York. Both Trump and Modi say they’re confident of reaching a strong agreement soon.
