Washington, September 10(HS):

US President Donald Trump has reportedly called for the European Union to impose sweeping tariffs of up to 100 percent on India and China, aiming to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. The demand came during a high-level meeting with senior US and EU officials in Washington, signaling an escalation in trade measures against Russia’s two largest oil buyers.

Having already doubled tariffs on Indian imports to 50 percent, Trump’s proposed increase to 100 percent duty represents a significant intensification of economic leverage intended to deter India and China from purchasing Russian oil. Although the US currently charges 30 percent tariffs on Chinese goods, this move indicates a readiness to align with or exceed Europe’s tariff levels, contingent on unified action by the EU.

This development follows Trump’s prior ultimatum giving Russia 50 days to negotiate an end to the Ukraine conflict. According to an anonymous official cited by the Financial Times, Trump advocates for “dramatic tariffs” sustained until China ceases buying Russian oil. Meanwhile, India remains one of Russia’s largest oil importers, accounting for 35 percent of its total oil supply in the first half of 2025.

The announcement occurs shortly after the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Tianjin, where Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared united. Trump initially commented on the apparent alliance on his Truth Social platform but later reaffirmed US-India relations, emphasizing ongoing negotiations to address trade barriers and expressing intent to engage further with Prime Minister Modi.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar