Trump's India Tariffs to End Ukraine War?
US VP JD Vance claims tariffs pressure Russia economically.
US Vice President JD Vance revealed that President Donald Trump's recent imposition of 50% tariffs on Indian imports is a strategic effort to curb Russia's financial power and push for an end to the Russia-Ukraine war. Speaking on NBC News' Meet the Press on August 24, 2025, Vance described the tariffs as "aggressive economic leverage" aimed at disrupting Russia's oil-driven economy, which he claims fuels Moscow's military actions in Ukraine.
"Trump has applied aggressive economic leverage, for example, secondary tariffs on India, to try to make it harder for the Russians to get rich from their oil economy," Vance stated. He emphasized that the strategy is designed to pressure Russia into halting its bombardment of Ukraine by limiting its oil revenue, a key financial lifeline. Vance expressed optimism about the approach, noting, "We believe we've already seen some significant concessions from both sides, just in the last few weeks."
The tariffs, which include an additional 25% duty specifically targeting India’s purchase of discounted Russian crude oil, have sparked tensions between Washington and New Delhi. The Trump administration has been vocal about its disapproval of India's continued procurement of Russian oil, arguing that these purchases indirectly fund Moscow's war efforts. India, however, has staunchly defended its energy policy, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar pushing back against US criticism during an event in New Delhi on August 23, 2025. "It's funny to have people who work for a pro-business American administration accusing other people of doing business," Jaishankar remarked. "If you have a problem buying oil or refined products from India, don’t buy it. Nobody forces you to buy it."
Also Read: Jaishankar Rebukes US Over Trade, Oil, Pakistan
India's shift to buying discounted Russian oil began in February 2022, following Western sanctions on Moscow after its invasion of Ukraine. While the US has singled out India for criticism, it has notably refrained from targeting China, the largest importer of Russian crude, or Europe, a major buyer of Russian gas. This selective approach has raised questions about the consistency of US policy, with some analysts suggesting that the tariffs on India may also serve broader trade and diplomatic objectives.
Vance remains confident that the US can broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, despite challenges following Trump’s recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. "He tried to make it clear that Russia can be reinvited into the world economy if they stop the killing," Vance said, underscoring the administration’s message to Moscow. "But they are going to continue to be isolated if they don’t." He pointed to recent concessions from both Russia and Ukraine as evidence of progress, though no concrete plans for a trilateral meeting have emerged.
The tariff dispute has strained US-India relations, which were already tested earlier this year when Vance, speaking in Jaipur on April 22, 2025, urged India to reduce non-tariff barriers and increase purchases of American energy and military equipment. The doubling of tariffs to 50% has further complicated ties, with India labeling the measures as "unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable." As the US continues to wield economic tools to influence global conflicts, the fallout from these tariffs could reshape diplomatic and trade dynamics in the region, with implications for both the Russia-Ukraine war and US-India relations.
