Trump Put 'Sanctions on India' to End Ukraine War: White House

During a recent press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that actions taken by United States President Donald Trump, including sanctions on India, aim to facilitate an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine. The remarks emerged amidst growing scrutiny of India's substantial profits from purchasing Russian oil under the current geopolitical tensions.

Leavitt highlighted that the sanctions were part of a broader strategy to exert public pressure to conclude the conflict. "The President is determined to see this war come to an end swiftly," she remarked, emphasising Trump's rejection of suggestions to delay negotiations.

In a prior meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, Trump indicated a willingness to convene trilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin to halt the hostilities in Ukraine. Both leaders expressed optimism about their discussions, with Zelensky describing it as his most productive conversation with Trump to date.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent conveyed strong criticism regarding India's oil dealings in a discussion on CNBC, asserting that India has been generating enormous profits from its transactions with Russia. He noted that prior to the conflict, less than 1% of India's oil was sourced from Russia, a figure that has since surged to approximately 42%.

"India is just profiteering from this situation, reselling Russian oil and reaping billions in excess profits," Bessent stated during the interview. He characterised this business model as "unacceptable," implying that India stands to benefit significantly while global stability is compromised.

Furthermore, White House Trade Advisor Peter Navarro condemned India's procurement of Russian energy and defence components, asserting that it undermines global efforts to isolate the Russian economy. He argued in an opinion piece that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine is exacerbated by financial support from India through its oil purchases. "As Russia continues its aggression, India’s purchases provide them essential funding and complicate international defence efforts," Navarro wrote.

In response to the intensified scrutiny, Indian officials have argued that the US and European nations also maintain commercial ties with Russia. The Indian Foreign Ministry pointed out that the US imports several commodities, such as uranium and fertilizers, from Russia. They contend that this selective approach in foreign relations, particularly concerning oil, unfairly targets India.

Confirming Trump’s earlier statements, Bessent claimed that the imposition of increased tariffs on Indian imports is a strategy to mitigate India's involvement in Russia's military actions. Last week, Trump announced an increase of tariffs on Indian imports, with hopes of discouraging further transactions involving Russian energy.

This situation raises questions about the broader implications of energy trading during geopolitical crises. As other nations navigate their energy needs amidst ongoing conflicts, the complexities of international relations are increasingly evident.

The tension between India, a strategic ally of the US, and its oil sourcing from Russia poses significant challenges to diplomatic efforts, especially as the international community seeks cohesive strategies to address the humanitarian impacts of the Ukraine war.

Given the evolving nature of the conflict and responses from global leaders, the future of India’s energy trade and its diplomatic relations with the US remain uncertain. President Trump’s administration continues to advocate for stringent measures aimed at altering India's trade practices, all while navigating the delicate balance of geopolitical alliances.