Trump says India Tariffs may have influenced Putin’s decision to meet him

August 15, 2025

Washington: US President Donald Trump has suggested that his recent decision to impose steep tariffs on Indian goods could have played a role in prompting Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to meet him.

Speaking to Fox News Radio, Trump said, “Everything has an impact.”

Last week, Trump announced an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports, on top of the existing 25% duty, effectively doubling the levy to 50%. He justified the move by citing New Delhi’s continued purchase of oil from Russia, saying the measure “essentially took them out of buying oil from Russia.”

The announcement comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Moscow over the Ukraine war. Trump has recently shortened Russia’s deadline to end the conflict from 50 days to 10 days and warned of “very severe consequences” if Moscow fails to comply.

During the interview, host Brian Kilmeade asked whether these measures — including the possibility of sanctions — were behind reports from Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, that Russian officials were seeking a meeting. Trump replied, “I think everything has an impact,” hinting that his actions toward both India and Russia could be influencing diplomatic moves.

The comments underline Trump’s strategy of using economic and political pressure in multiple directions, linking trade decisions with geopolitical negotiations.