Tariffs put on India to force Russia to stop war, says U.S. Vice-President Vance

By Admin

25 Aug, 2025

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has once again pushed global diplomacy into the spotlight, with India finding itself caught in the crossfire of U.S. sanctions and tariffs. On Sunday (August 24, 2025), U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance stated that President Donald Trump had applied “aggressive economic leverage,” including secondary tariffs on India, in a bid to force Russia to halt its bombing campaign in Ukraine.

U.S. Stance on India’s Russian Oil Purchases

Speaking in an exclusive interview on NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” Mr. Vance said the tariffs were intended to “make it harder” for the Russians to profit from their oil economy. He added that while Washington is focused on cutting Russia’s energy revenues, India’s continued procurement of discounted crude oil from Moscow has been a point of contention.

Interestingly, despite China being the largest importer of Russian crude, Washington’s criticism has been far less pointed toward Beijing, raising questions about the strategic selectivity in U.S. foreign policy.

Trump Administration’s Strategy

Defending the administration’s approach, Mr. Vance said, “We believe we’ve already seen some significant concessions from both sides, just in the last few weeks,” hinting at progress since President Trump’s recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

When pressed on what leverage the U.S. is applying if not new sanctions, Mr. Vance pointed to tariffs on India. “He [Trump] tried to make it clear that Russia can be reinvited into the world economy if they stop the killing. But they are going to continue to be isolated if they don't stop the killing,” he said.

India’s Firm Response

India, however, has strongly rejected U.S. allegations that its oil purchases are financing Moscow’s war. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, speaking in New Delhi on Saturday (August 23, 2025), responded sharply to the criticism. “It’s funny to have people who work for a pro-business American administration accusing other people of doing business,” he remarked.

Jaishankar further added, “If you have a problem buying oil or refined products from India, don’t buy it. Nobody forces you to buy it. But Europe buys, America buys, so you don’t like it, don’t buy it.”

Rising Trade Tensions

Ever since President Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to nearly 50% including an additional 25% duty specifically tied to India’s purchase of Russian crude bilateral relations between Washington and New Delhi have been strained. In April, during his visit to Jaipur, Mr. Vance had also urged India to drop non-tariff barriers, open up its markets, and increase purchases of American energy and defense equipment.

Outlook

As the U.S. administration uses tariffs to exert pressure on Russia via India, New Delhi remains steadfast in defending its energy independence. With India asserting that its procurement policies are guided by national interest and market dynamics, and Washington linking tariffs to broader geopolitical goals, the coming months may see further friction in U.S.-India ties.

Whether this economic leverage will bring Russia closer to ending the war, or simply deepen divides with key partners like India, remains to be seen.