Trump’s Bold Move: EU Told to Slam 100% Tariffs on India and China to Pressure Putin

International News: US President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to impose tariffs of up to 100% on India and China. Both these countries are Russia's biggest oil buyers. Trump has already imposed a 50% tariff on India, and now he has appealed to the European Union to impose a wider tariff on India as well.

Strategy formulated in meeting

According to a Financial Times report, Trump made this demand in a meeting with senior US and European officials in Washington. An unnamed US official said, "We are ready, ready to start immediately, but it will happen only if our European partners take steps with us." This move is being done with the intention of putting pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Additional tariffs on India and China

The US is ready to increase tariffs on imports from India and China in line with Europe's tariffs. In July, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on India, which was later increased to 50%. China, which is Russia's biggest oil buyer, is currently facing a 30% tariff from the US. Trump reportedly wants the tariffs to remain until China stops buying oil from Russia.

SCO Summit and Global Diplomacy

This news comes just days after the SCO summit, in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping showed solidarity in Tianjin. After the summit, Trump shared a picture of the three leaders on social media and wrote, “Looks like we lost India and Russia; now to China's dark future.” He later retracted the comment and reaffirmed strong ties with India.

India's oil imports from Russia

India is Russia's largest oil buyer after China. According to a Reuters report, India bought 35% of its total oil imports from Russia in the first half of 2025. This move has made US policies and steps being taken in the global oil market more important.

Impact and Possible Consequences

Trump's plan could impact global trade and energy security. If European partners stand with him, India and China may face US tariffs on their oil and other resources. Also, this step is being considered as a way to put pressure on Russia as well.