Trump Pushes EU to Slap Tariffs on India, China to Squeeze Russia

U.S. President Donald Trump is urging the European Union to hit India and China with steep tariffs, potentially up to 100% to choke off Russia’s oil revenue.

In a recent call with EU sanctions envoy David O’Sullivan, Trump argued that targeting these major buyers of Russian oil would hurt Moscow’s economy, which heavily relies on energy exports to fund its war in Ukraine. He hinted that the U.S. would back the EU’s move with similar actions, suggesting a coordinated push.

The proposal comes after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping appeared chummy at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Tianjin. Their unity highlighted a growing challenge to U.S. influence, and Trump didn’t hold back, slamming the EU for still buying 19% of its gas from Russia last year, despite promises to cut ties.

India’s already feeling the heat from 50% U.S. tariffs imposed on August 27 over its Russian oil purchases. These duties threaten India’s $86.5 billion export market to the U.S., hitting industries like textiles, jewelry, and seafood hard. Experts warn India’s economy could take a 0.2-0.4% GDP hit in 2026 if the tariffs stick. New Delhi has called the measures “unfair” and vowed to shield its farmers and exporters, stressing that its oil imports are about energy security, not politics.

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Still, Trump seems open to smoothing things over with India. He recently posted online about working with Modi to tackle trade issues. But India’s not budging on Russian oil, which makes up a third of its supply, showing it’s prioritizing its own interests. The EU, meanwhile, is treading carefully. It’s leaned on sanctions to isolate Russia so far, but Trump’s tariff idea could push Brussels toward a bolder strategy. As trade tensions rise, the U.S.-India relationship is at a crossroads, with big consequences for global alliances and economic stability.