Donald Trump: Amid rising trade tensions with India, the United States has simultaneously engaged Russia in talks over potential energy cooperation. According to a Reuters report, American and Russian officials met in Moscow on August 26 to explore collaboration in the oil and gas sector, even as Washington imposed a steep 50% tariff on Indian goods. The meetings are seen as a strategic move by the US to secure energy supplies while navigating a complex geopolitical landscape involving sanctions on Russia and trade restrictions on India.
US ENGAGES RUSSIA AMID INDIA TARIFFS
Reports say US and Russian officials discussed potential energy cooperation during meetings held on August 26 in Moscow, along with the latest peace talks on Ukraine. The negotiations with Donald Trump’s administration are seen as a step towards Washington’s search for a secure energy supply, while the US is imposing a 50% tariff on Indian goods.
ENERGY TALK WITH RUSSIA
According to Reuters, the American and Russian negotiators explored different options for oil and gas industry collaboration. The meetings were a sign that the US might be open to trading energy with Moscow despite the ongoing sanctions against Russia over the Ukraine conflict.
DONALD TRUMP: EXPORTS FROM INDIA TO BE CHARGED 50% DUTIES
On August 27, 2025, the Trump administration raised the tariffs on Indian imports from 25% to 50%. Now, the duties affect around 66% of India’s exports, which in the last fiscal year were worth almost $86.5 billion. The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) report shows that sectors like textiles, jewellery, shrimp, and furniture could have their exports reduced by as much as 70%.
INDIA’S RESPONSE
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India, of course, won in protecting its industries and farmers. He encouraged people to buy Indian products and assured them that India has the right to get energy cheaply and safely from wherever, including Russia. India’s ambassador to Moscow emphasized that the purchase will continue on the basis of the “best deals” available.
TRADE FRICTIONS GLOBALLY
The Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi said that the tariffs are “unfair and unjustified” and declared that the ministry is ready to take countermeasures. Economists warn that the conflicting policy of Washington—acting so friendly toward Moscow energy while at the same time imposing heavy penalties on India—might be the cause of disruptions in the supply chain and trade imbalances globally in the coming months.
