President Donald Trump has determined that Russia’s actions in Ukraine pose an ongoing threat to U.S. national security and foreign policy, necessitating the implementation of stronger counter measures.

This includes raising tariffs on India for its continued importation of Russian oil, which directly undermines U.S. efforts to counter Russia’s harmful activities in Ukraine. Indeed, India’s subsequent reselling of this oil on the open market, often at significant profit, further enables the Russian economy to fund its aggression.

In a recent executive order, President Trump imposed an additional 25 percent tariff on imports from India, effective August 27. By imposing this tariff, President Trump aims to deter countries from supporting the Russian economy through oil imports and impose serious economic consequences on Russia for its ongoing aggressions. The White House affirmed that similar tariffs may be forthcoming on other countries that directly or indirectly import oil from Russia.

President Trump warned the Indian government that they would face tariffs for buying Russian oil: “India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian oil, they are then, for much of the oil purchased, selling it on the open market for big profits. . . .Because of this, I will be substantially raising the tariff paid by India to the USA.”

This tariff is in addition to any other duties, fees, taxes, exactions, and charges applicable to such imports, unless subject to existing or future actions under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962.

Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, in coordination with the Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, and other senior officials, will determine whether other countries directly or indirectly import Russian oil and recommend further actions to President Trump as needed.

President Trump has consistently said he will not tolerate Russian aggression. President Trump has also made clear to Russian President Vladimir Putin that his nation would not be facing these actions if they were to “get a [peace] deal where people stop getting killed.”

President Trump remains committed to pursuing peace, and these actions aim to pressure the Russian government toward a resolution that ends the war in Ukraine and saves lives. [VOA/VS]

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