New Delhi: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday accused China and India of being the “primary funders” of the Ukraine war by continuing to purchase Russian oil. Addressing the UN General Assembly, Trump said that countries buying Russian energy were indirectly financing Moscow’s war efforts.
The Trump administration has imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods as a penalty for its oil imports from Russia, taking the total US tariffs on India to 50% — among the highest in the world.
“China and India are the primary funders of the ongoing war by continuing to purchase Russian oil,” Trump said in his hour-long address at the 80th UNGA session. He also criticised NATO members for not cutting energy ties with Moscow, calling it “embarrassing” that they were “funding the war against themselves.”
Trump warned that if Russia does not agree to a deal to end the war, the US is prepared to impose a “very strong round” of tariffs designed to halt the conflict quickly. He urged European nations to adopt the same measures, arguing they have a greater responsibility due to their proximity to the conflict.
India has dismissed the tariffs as “unjustified and unreasonable,” stating it will take all necessary measures to protect its national interest and economic security.
