Trump imposed sanctions on India to pressure Russia over Ukraine war: White House

20-Aug-2025

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The White House said that President Donald Trump’s decision to impose steep tariffs on India was aimed at indirectly pressuring Russia to end its war in Ukraine.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that Trump had doubled India's tariff rate to 50 per cent -- adding a 25 per cent levy on top of the existing 25 per cent. She framed the move as part of the administration's strategy to squeeze Moscow by targeting countries that keep trading with Russia.

"The president has put tremendous public pressure to bring this war to a close. He's taken actions, as you’ve seen, sanctions on India and other actions as well," adding that the intent was to apply "secondary pressure" on Moscow.