'It’s only been eight hours': Trump warns India of secondary sanctions after imposing 50 % tariffs
PTC News Desk: Hours after imposing additional 25 per cent tariffs on India, Donald Trump has warned of secondary sanctions on India over its continued oil purchase from Russia. The total tariff imposed on India now ads up to 50 per cent.
"It’s only been eight hours. So, let's see what happens," Trump told reporters when asked why India was being singled out while countries like China also continue to buy Russian oil. "You’re going to see a lot more. You’re going to see so many secondary sanctions".
Trump’s remarks came amid growing US pressure on countries to cut economic ties with Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. When asked during the Oval Office event whether a potential peace deal between Russia and Ukraine could lead to the removal of additional tariffs on India, Trump said, "We will determine that later".
Within hours, the foreign ministry, in a statement, said the United States "has in recent days targeted India's oil imports from Russia".
"We have already made clear our position on these issues, including the fact that our imports are based on market factors and done with the overall objective of ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people of India. It is therefore extremely unfortunate that the US should choose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest".
"We reiterate that these actions are unfair, unjustified and unreasonable. India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests," the statement added in no uncertain terms.
- With inputs from agencies
