In a development with potential consequences for India, US President Donald Trump on September 7, indicated his willingness to approve another round of sanctions against Russia over the ongoing war in Ukraine.
When asked at the White House if he was open to more sanctions, Trump’s brief response — “Yeah, I am” — hinted at a tougher stance. This came just hours after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent argued for additional penalties on countries purchasing Russian oil, with India frequently cited as a key buyer. According to Bessent, only a complete ‘collapse of the Russian economy could pressure President Vladimir Putin into serious negotiations with Ukraine.
US Push to Cut Off Russia’s Oil Revenue
Since the war began, Russia has remained under sweeping US and EU sanctions. However, Moscow has managed to sustain its revenue stream by finding reliable buyers in countries such as India and China. This steady flow of oil and gas exports has blunted the impact of Western restrictions.
Top US officials, including Vice President JD Vance, have emphasized the need to squeeze Russia’s energy revenue further. Vance has openly described the tariffs on Indian goods as a leverage against Putin, while some American leaders have gone so far as to call the Ukraine conflict ‘Modi’s war.’ Donald Trump himself has accused India of “fueling the Russian war machine” by continuing to import discounted Russian crude.
India Stuck Due to the Tariff Policy
Currently, most Indian exports face a combined 50% US duty, including a 25% penalty tariff imposed as a punishment for carrying out oil trade with Russia. New sanctions could deepen this tariff burden, creating additional pressure on Indian businesses.
New Delhi, however, has strongly defended its position. Indian officials argue that oil purchases from Russia are made purely out of national interest and energy security considerations. As global energy prices remain volatile, India has sought to secure affordable supplies to safeguard its economy.
A Diplomatic Balancing Act
The timing of Trump’s latest remarks is notable, as they come just days after a public display of warmth between him and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both leaders exchanged positive messages through media interactions, signaling a brief thaw in bilateral tensions. Yet, the possibility of new sanctions and tariffs shows that Washington’s strategic concerns over Moscow continue to override personal diplomacy.
Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine is intensifying. On September 7, Sunday, Russia escalated its assault by bombing the main government complex in the capital city of Kyiv, underscoring the urgency behind Western calls for stronger measures against Moscow.
As the US sharpens its sanctions policy, India may find itself navigating a delicate balancing act between safeguarding its energy needs and managing rising tariff pressures from Washington DC.
Helene Elliott is the senior reporter for News Raise. She covers Science news. She also has a keen interest in photojournalism. Helene holds a nomination for the prestigious Red Smith Award. She is married to author Dennis D’Agostino, a former publicist with the New York Mets.
