Washington: US Vice President JD Vance has defended President Donald Trump’s recent decision to impose steep tariffs on Indian imports, saying the measure is aimed at limiting Russia’s ability to profit from its oil exports.

Speaking on NBC News’ Meet the Press, Vance said Trump was applying “aggressive economic leverage” to force Moscow to scale back its war in Ukraine. “Trump has applied aggressive economic leverage, for example, secondary tariffs on India, to try to make it harder for the Russians to get rich from their oil economy,” Vance said.

US Push for Peace Talks

Vance struck an optimistic note about the possibility of peace, claiming both Russia and Ukraine had shown signs of making concessions in recent weeks. He added that Trump has made it clear that Russia could be reintegrated into the global economy only if it stopped its attacks. “They are going to continue to be isolated if they don’t stop the killing,” he said.

Why India Was Targeted

Relations between Washington and New Delhi have soured after the Trump administration singled out India for continuing to buy discounted Russian crude oil, while refraining from similar criticism of China and Europe, which remain among Moscow’s largest energy buyers.

Earlier this month, Trump announced a 50% tariff on Indian imports, including a 25% penalty duty linked specifically to India’s Russian oil purchases. The US maintains that such purchases are indirectly supporting Moscow’s military campaign in Ukraine, a charge India has consistently rejected.

India’s Response

India has defended its energy trade, saying decisions are driven by market dynamics and national interest. New Delhi began purchasing Russian crude at discounted rates after Western nations sanctioned Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, responding to US criticism over the weekend, dismissed the American stance as hypocritical. “It’s funny to have people who work for a pro-business American administration accusing other people of doing business,” he said at an event in New Delhi.

Jaishankar added, “If you have a problem buying oil or refined products from India, don’t buy it. Nobody forces you. But Europe buys, America buys—so if you don’t like it, don’t buy it.”

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