‘We’ll crush your economy, impose 500 percent tariff”: Big worry for India as Trump’s close aid threatens India of…
New Delhi: In a significant bad news for India amid the US-India trade deal talks, Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal have warned countries, including India, of economic sanctions if they continue business with Russia of 500 per cent tariffs. Notably, US President Donald Trump had called for imposing 100 per cent “secondary tariffs” on Moscow if Russian President Vladimir Putin fails to end the conflict in Ukraine within 50 days
Why is US threatening to announce 500 % tariffs on India?
As per a joint statement by Graham and Blumenthal, China, India, and Brazil and other nations “that prop up Putin’s war machine” by purchasing “cheap Russian oil and gas”, which that claim is fuelling Putin’s effort in the conflict with Russia. It called for the imposition of tariffs as high as 500 per cent on any country that helps Russia.
“The ultimate hammer to bring about the end of this war will be tariffs against countries, like China, India and Brazil, that prop up Putin’s war machine by purchasing cheap Russian oil and gas. President Trump’s decision to announce the implementation of 100 percent secondary tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil and gas if a peace agreement is not reached in the next 50 days is a real executive hammer to drive the parties to the negotiating table. The goal is not more tariffs and sanctions – the goal is to entice Putin to come to the peace table,” the statement read.
What did Trump say on US sanctions?
Notably, US President Trump stated during his meeting with the NATO chief that he was “very unhappy” with Russia. He also announced the imposition of the 100 per cent tariffs on Russia if a peace deal wasn’t made within 50 days.
How did India respond to US tariff threats?
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had stated earlier this month that the Indian embassy and ambassador have been in touch with Senator Graham regarding the bill on Russia and that “India will have to cross that bridge if it comes to it.”
Most importantly, Jaishankar had stated that India’s concerns and interests on energy and security have been made conversant to Graham.
(With inputs from agencies)
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