Trump Signals Possible Pause on India, China Tariffs After Putin Meeting

Donald Trump signaled a temporary pause on new tariffs against India and China after meeting Vladimir Putin, despite earlier threats of severe secondary sanctions for buying Russian oil. India already faces increased tariffs, with more set to take effect August 27. Officials in Washington and New Delhi await further clarity.

US President Donald Trump appeared to soften his stance on punitive tariffs against India and China on Saturday, suggesting he may hold off for now despite earlier threats to impose steep secondary sanctions on countries purchasing Russian oil.

Speaking to Fox News’ Sean Hannity after his high-profile summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, Trump said, “Because of what happened today, I think I don’t have to think about that right now. I may have to think about it in two or three weeks, but we don’t have to think about that today.” He called the meeting with Putin “very successful,” though offered few specifics on any breakthrough.

Trump had previously vowed to levy tariffs of up to 100 percent on nations trading with Moscow, giving Russia a 50-day ultimatum to agree to terms on ending the Ukraine war. India, a key buyer of Russian oil, has already been hit with retaliatory tariffs of 25 percent, which Trump doubled days later. The second round of tariffs is scheduled to take effect on August 27.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had earlier hinted that tariffs on India could rise further if the Alaska talks with Putin failed. He described India as “recalcitrant” in trade negotiations, while pressing European allies to back Washington’s push for secondary sanctions — a move that has met resistance.

India, meanwhile, has maintained that its partnership with the US extends well beyond trade and should not be viewed solely through the lens of its relationship with Russia. New Delhi has urged Washington to consider the broader strategic importance of bilateral ties.

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Trump’s latest remarks, leaving open the possibility of delaying new tariffs, have added uncertainty to an already tense trade environment, with both allies and rivals awaiting clarity on his next move.