Trump pressures India over Russian oil in bid to sway Moscow

U.S. President Donald Trump is ramping up pressure on India over its oil trade with Russia.

As Washington pushes for a ceasefire in Ukraine, tariff threats are emerging as part of a broader strategy to tighten the screws on Moscow.

Byeon Ye-young has more.

U.S. President Donald Trump is turning up the pressure on India, just days before a 25% "reciprocal" tariff is set to take effect on August 7 and the U.S.-set ceasefire deadline between Russia and Ukraine of August 8.

In a post on social media, Trump accused India of making huge profits from buying and reselling Russian oil while turning a blind eye to how many people are dying in Ukraine, saying he will be substantially raising the tariffs paid by India to the U.S.

The move is widely viewed as part of a dual strategy, pressuring India while indirectly targeting Russia by going after one of its key oil customers.

"So what he said very clearly is that it is not acceptable for India to continue financing this war by purchasing the oil from Russia."

In an official statement, Indian spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the "targeting of India" was "unfair and unreasonable," explaining that India had turned to Russian oil only after traditional suppliers redirected shipments to Europe following the Ukraine conflict.

He also pointed out that the U.S. still imports chemicals and minerals from Russia for its nuclear and EV industries, and that India will take all necessary steps to safeguard its national interest and economic security.

Russia, for its part, dismissed the moves.

In a statement, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said no tariff wars or sanctions "can halt the natural course of history," adding that Russia will deepen ties with the global south and resist the "unlawful unilateral sanctions."

Meanwhile, U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to visit Moscow on August 6th, possibly to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, a move seen as an attempt to push for progress on a ceasefire.

Byeon Ye-young, Arirang News.