The BRICS TimesNATO’s Mark Rutte claimed Donald Trump’s fresh tariffs on India over Russian oil are shaking Moscow and forcing tense calls.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has alleged that Donald Trump’s new tariffs on India for purchasing Russian oil are creating a “big impact” on Moscow. He further suggested that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been pressing Russian President Vladimir Putin to explain his strategy on Ukraine following Washington’s latest trade measures.
Speaking to CNN on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Mr Rutte explained, “This (tariff) immediately impacts Russia because that means Delhi is now on the phone with Vladimir Putin in Moscow, and Narendra Modi is asking him, ‘I support you, but could you explain me your strategy because I have now been hit by these 50% tariffs by the United States’.”
Neither New Delhi nor Moscow has issued any immediate response to his statements.
Trump’s Tariffs Hit India Over Russian Oil
Last month, Donald Trump announced a 25 per cent reciprocal tariff on Indian products and added another 25 per cent penalty for India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. Since returning to office in January, the US President has rolled out reciprocal tariffs on multiple nations. He accused India of indirectly supporting Russia’s military assault in Ukraine by continuing energy trade with Moscow.
Prime Minister Modi and President Putin last spoke during a phone call on September 17, marking Modi’s 75th birthday. According to the Prime Minister’s office, Modi assured Putin of India’s “full support for the peaceful resolution” of the Ukraine crisis, which erupted in February 2022.
Modi-Putin Meeting After SCO Summit
On September 1, both leaders spent nearly an hour together while travelling to their bilateral meeting in Tianjin, China, after the SCO Summit. Sources revealed that Putin personally chose to ride along with Modi in the same vehicle and even waited about 10 minutes for him before departing for the Ritz-Carlton hotel venue.
Trump Pushes NATO To Target China
Donald Trump has also urged NATO countries to ramp up pressure on China by imposing tariffs of 50 to 100 per cent. He argued that stopping oil imports from Russia is crucial to ending the war in Ukraine.
Writing on Truth Social on September 13, Trump stated that “major sanctions” would follow once NATO partners align with his strategy. He criticised some members for continuing to buy Russian oil, calling it “shocking” and claiming it undermines their bargaining power against Moscow.
Rutte backed Trump’s stance, stressing that NATO nations “should stop” buying Russian oil entirely.
India-US Trade Talks Amid Tariff Tensions
Amid growing friction, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal led a delegation for trade discussions with US officials in New York this week. The Indian team, including chief negotiator Rajesh Agrawal, had earlier engaged in day-long talks with US negotiator Brendan Lynch in Delhi over a proposed trade pact.
Trump, meanwhile, wrote on Truth Social on September 10 that he looks forward to speaking with his “very good friend, Prime Minister Modi” soon. Modi replied on X, saying he is confident that the trade dialogue will “unlock the limitless potential” of the India-US partnership.
He added, “Our teams are working to conclude these discussions at the earliest. I am also looking forward to speaking with President Trump. We will work together to secure a brighter, more prosperous future for both our people.”
