Trump slammed NATO’s Russian oil purchases, urged a halt, and warned China of 50–100% tariffs if buying continues
New York
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte claimed US tariffs on India’s Russian oil imports are significantly affecting Moscow, saying the issue has prompted Prime Minister Narendra Modi to directly seek clarity from Russian President Vladimir Putin on his Ukraine strategy. Speaking to CNN on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Rutte said Modi is asking Putin how to respond after India was hit with a 50 per cent tariff by the United States.
Last month, US President Donald Trump imposed a 25 per cent tariff on India over Russian oil imports, raising total tariffs to 50 per cent. Trump recently acknowledged the move strained relations with India, calling it “not an easy thing to do” in a Fox News interview.
Trump has also criticised NATO allies for purchasing Russian oil, warning he would impose 50–100 per cent tariffs on China if it continues to buy from Moscow. He called such purchases “shocking” and urged NATO to collectively stop buying Russian oil to help end the war in Ukraine.
Trump claimed Beijing holds significant influence over Moscow and that tariffs could “break that grip,” arguing that coordinated sanctions are essential to “winning” the war. He challenged NATO to act in unison, stating, “I am ready to ‘go’ when you are. Just say when.”
The NATO chief’s remarks underline how the US tariffs on India’s energy trade with Russia have reverberated into broader geopolitical dynamics, impacting both bilateral ties and the wider debate on energy security and the Ukraine conflict.
