NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said US tariffs on India over Russian oil imports are affecting Moscow significantly. He claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi contacted Russian President Vladimir Putin for clarity on his Ukraine strategy.
Rutte explained that India’s 50 per cent tariffs from the US prompted Modi to seek details about Russia’s approach in the ongoing conflict. Trump had earlier imposed a 25 per cent tariff, raising the total to 50 per cent on Indian imports.
Trump said the tariffs created a rift with India and admitted that imposing them was difficult. He criticized NATO allies for purchasing Russian oil and warned that China could face 50-100 per cent tariffs if it continued buying from Moscow.
The US President highlighted China’s influence over Russia, claiming major sanctions could weaken that grip. He said coordinated NATO action and tariff policies could help end the Russia-Ukraine war faster. Trump emphasized his readiness to act once NATO members agreed to halt Russian oil purchases.
