Trump’s Double Game Exposed: Blocking India-China From Russian Oil and Crippling Europe With Tariffs

International News: US President Donald Trump has once again hardened his stance against Russia. This time his target is directly on those countries that are strengthening Russia's economy by buying oil from it, among which India and China are at the forefront. Trump has clearly told the European Union (EU) officials that if real pressure is to be put on Putin, then import duty (tariff) of up to 100% should be imposed on countries like India and China.

The purpose of this entire exercise is to weaken Russia's earnings from the oil business. Trump believes that as long as India and China keep buying Russian crude oil, it is difficult to give an economic blow to Russia in the Ukraine war.

Talked to EU officials on the phone

According to international news agency Reuters, Trump made this statement during a conference call with EU sanctions envoy David O'Sullivan and other senior officials. The US administration also indicated that if the European Union increases tariffs on India and China, Washington will also stand with it in this strategy. A senior EU diplomat said, they (America) are basically saying that if you do it, we will also support you.

Trump has already threatened to increase tariffs

Trump has earlier also shown a tough stand on India and China. Recently, on his behest, the import duty on Indian products was increased. Especially due to continued purchase of oil from Russia, an additional 25% tariff was imposed on some Indian products, due to which the total duty has reached 50%. Although till now he has not taken a big step like 100% tariff, but this time strictness is clearly visible in his tone and strategy.

Trump’s Double Game On Tariffs

The interesting thing is that while on one hand Trump is talking about tough economic measures on India, on the other hand he recently wrote on social media that efforts are underway to improve trade relations between America and India. He has also expressed his desire to talk to Prime Minister Narendra Modi soon. It is clear from this that Trump does not want to spoil relations with India completely, but definitely wants to put pressure to distance himself from Russia.

European Union also questioned

Trump has also criticized the European Union on this issue. He says that the EU has not yet completely stopped importing energy from Russia. According to data, last year the EU's gas import from Russia was about 19%. However, the EU claims that it is working towards ending this dependence soon.

Now due to this pressure from Trump, the EU may also have to change its strategy. Till now the EU has been mainly pressuring Russia through economic sanctions, but after this new demand from Trump, it may also consider a tariff-based strategy on India.