By adbnu564 
The United States has signaled the possibility of imposing additional tariffs on India if upcoming peace talks between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin fail to yield results. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that secondary tariffs on India could increase, depending on the outcome of the high-stakes meeting scheduled for Friday in Anchorage, Alaska.
Bessent explained that the US has already imposed secondary tariffs on India for purchasing Russian oil, and further measures may follow if the talks do not progress. Earlier this month, the Trump administration levied a 25% penalty on India, in addition to an existing 25% tariff, over imports of Russian oil and weapons.
The US has been actively trying to mediate a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war. President Trump has warned Moscow of “severe consequences” if a peace agreement is not reached. The Anchorage summit will focus on negotiating an end to the conflict, with Washington urging European allies to join in imposing secondary sanctions.
India’s growing imports of discounted Russian crude have become a point of friction with Washington. Since the outbreak of the Ukraine war, Russian oil’s share in India’s total imports has surged from 3% in 2021 to nearly 40% in 2024. New Delhi has defended its stance, citing the need to secure affordable energy to protect millions from rising fuel costs.
Trade talks between the US and India have been ongoing for months but have stalled over issues such as tariffs on agricultural and dairy products. Trump’s new 50% tariff on India, set to take effect on 27 August, would make India the most heavily taxed US trade partner in Asia. Analysts warn this could severely impact export-driven sectors like textiles and jewellery, potentially slowing India’s GDP growth by up to 0.5%.
Bessent recently described India as “recalcitrant” in trade negotiations, while Trump has accused the country of being a “tariff abuser.” The US President has made reducing the $45 billion trade deficit with India a priority in his broader strategy to reform global trade rules.