Trump urges EU to slap 100% tariffs on nations like India and China purchasing Russian oil
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has called on the European Union to impose 100% tariffs on countries such as India and China that continue to buy oil from Russia. Trump argued that such strict measures are necessary to curb Moscow’s energy revenues and pressure nations relying on Russian crude to reconsider their trade choices.
By: Bharat Daily Samachar Date: 11 Sep,2025
Trump Urges EU to Impose 100% Tariffs on Russian Oil Buyers Like India and China
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has once again stirred international debate by urging the European Union to impose 100% tariffs on nations such as India and China that continue to purchase oil from Russia. His remarks, delivered at a recent policy discussion, highlight his tough stance on Moscow’s energy trade and his belief that Western allies must adopt stronger economic measures to weaken Russia’s influence.
Trump’s Argument
According to Trump, the EU and other Western partners are not doing enough to counter Russia’s ability to fund its military through oil revenues. He claimed that countries still trading heavily with Moscow, particularly India and China, are enabling Russia to sustain its war-driven economy.
“The only way to force Russia to back down is to cut off its lifeline—oil sales,” Trump said. He further argued that imposing 100% tariffs on nations buying Russian crude would either discourage them from purchasing it or make such imports financially unsustainable.
Why India and China Are in Focus
India and China are two of the largest buyers of Russian oil, especially since the West imposed sanctions following the invasion of Ukraine. Both countries have consistently defended their decision, citing the need for affordable energy to fuel their massive populations and economies.
For India, Russian crude offers a cheaper option to meet its soaring domestic demand. China, on the other hand, sees it as both an economic advantage and a way to maintain strong ties with Moscow.
Trump’s call for tariffs directly targets these two nations, potentially setting the stage for diplomatic friction if such measures were ever implemented.
Global Reactions
While Trump’s proposal has drawn support from some conservative circles in the U.S., international reaction has been mixed. Analysts warn that slapping 100% tariffs on oil buyers could have unintended consequences, including:
Rising global oil prices: Higher costs for India and China could lead to increased demand in other markets, pushing prices up worldwide.
Strained diplomatic ties: Both nations may view the move as economic coercion, affecting broader relations with the U.S. and EU.
Impact on global trade: With India and China being major players in international commerce, such tariffs could disrupt supply chains and markets far beyond the energy sector.
India’s Likely Stand
India has consistently argued that its oil imports are a matter of energy security rather than politics. Officials in New Delhi have emphasized that the country needs reliable and affordable energy sources to sustain growth and cannot be pressured into abandoning suppliers without suitable alternatives.
If the EU were to consider Trump’s suggestion, India would likely resist, pointing out that its ties with both the West and Russia require a delicate balancing act.
China’s Position
China’s response would likely be even more combative. As a strategic partner of Russia, Beijing has not only increased its oil imports but also strengthened energy cooperation with Moscow. Analysts believe that China would strongly oppose any EU tariffs, possibly retaliating with its own trade measures.
EU’s Dilemma
For the European Union, Trump’s demand presents a complicated challenge. While Brussels has aligned closely with the U.S. on many sanctions against Russia, the idea of penalizing major global partners like India and China is far more difficult.
EU officials have not indicated any willingness to adopt such drastic tariffs. Many European countries rely on India and China for trade, manufacturing, and technology partnerships, making such a move diplomatically risky.
Broader Implications
Trump’s remarks also raise questions about his broader foreign policy approach if he were to return to office. His focus on tariffs, sanctions, and economic leverage reflects his trademark style of “America First” politics, often pushing allies to adopt measures that align with U.S. strategic interests.
While some view his proposal as impractical, others argue it reflects the urgency of finding new ways to cut Russia’s energy income, which remains one of the strongest funding streams for its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
What Comes Next?
At present, Trump’s call is more of a political statement than a concrete policy. However, it has amplified discussions around how far the West should go in curbing Russian oil sales—and at what cost to global stability.
For now, India and China continue to purchase Russian crude, arguing it benefits their people and economies. The EU, meanwhile, remains cautious, weighing the potential fallout of escalating trade measures that could reshape global alliances.
As the debate unfolds, one thing is clear: the intersection of energy, politics, and international trade is set to remain a flashpoint in global diplomacy for the foreseeable future.