US Vice President JD Vance has defended President Donald Trump’s 50 per cent tariffs on Indian imports, saying they are aimed at stopping Russia’s war in Ukraine. Vance claimed the tariffs give the US stronger economic leverage against Moscow, even as India rejects the criticism of its oil trade with Russia.
JD Vance said the Trump administration is using tariffs on India as part of a larger strategy to weaken Russia’s economy. Speaking on NBC News’ Meet the Press, he explained, “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.”
He also stressed that the US wants to create conditions where Russia stops its war. “He (Trump) tried to make it clear that Russia can be reinvited into the world economy if it stops the killing. But they are going to continue to be isolated if they don’t stop the killing,” Vance said.
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JD Vance expressed confidence that the US can play a leading role in ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He said, “We believe we’ve already seen some significant concessions from both sides, just in the last few weeks.” According to him, Trump’s team believes tough economic steps like tariffs can push Moscow to compromise.
The new tariffs have sharply strained ties between the US and India. Additionally, Trump declared that tariffs on Indian imports will go to 50%. He also added a 25 per cent duty as a penalty for India’s continued purchase of discounted Russian oil.
US accuses India of helping Moscow fund its war by buying Russian crude. But India rejects the charge and says its energy policy is based on national interest and market needs.
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In 2022, when Moscow was sanctioned by Western countries, India resorted to inexpensive Russian crude. Indian leaders argue that the purchases are legal and necessary for their energy security.
EAM S. Jaishankar hit back at the US’s criticism. Speaking in India, he said, “It’s funny to have people who work for a pro-business American administration accusing other people of doing business.”
Jaishankar added, “That’s really curious. If you have a problem buying oil or refined products from India, don’t buy them. Nobody forces you to buy it. But Europe buys, America buys, so you don’t like it, don’t buy it.”
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Trump’s tariff decision highlights a growing clash between US foreign policy goals and India’s energy security needs. While the US sees tariffs as a tool to isolate Moscow, India insists that its oil trade is not political.
The dispute could deepen economic tensions between the two democracies at a time when both need each other in global trade and security.
