Trump has repeatedly argued that Russia&rsquo;s major trade partners are indirectly supporting the conflict by sustaining economic links. India and China remain among the top nations under scrutiny, with India already facing a steep increase in tariffs that raised the total import duty to 50 per cent earlier this year. China, despite being a major buyer of Russian goods, has so far avoided penalties. Trump is also weighing the possibility of adding Iran to the list of targeted countries.
While he considers stronger sanctions, Trump has simultaneously rolled back tariffs on more than 20 food products to ease rising grocery prices in the United States. This move has provided some relief to Indian exporters of tea, coffee, spices, and cashew nuts, who were disproportionately affected by previous tariff hikes.
Amid these developments, India and Russia continue to deepen their economic partnership. Both countries have reaffirmed their goal of achieving 100 billion dollars in bilateral trade by 2030 and have reviewed steps toward finalising a free trade agreement between India and the Eurasian Economic Union. The focus of these discussions includes diversifying trade, strengthening supply chains, improving regulatory consistency, and ensuring balanced growth.
According to ongoing deliberations in Washington, the proposed US bill would grant Trump the power to impose tariffs of up to 500 per cent on imports from countries that continue purchasing Russian energy and are not aligned with US efforts to support Ukraine. Trump had previously held back from endorsing the bill while attempting to negotiate a peace arrangement between Russia and Ukraine, but after the collapse of those efforts, he is now reconsidering the tougher approach in hopes of pushing Moscow toward a settlement.

Trump considers a sweeping bill targeting nations trading with Russia amid Ukraine war

Trump Eyes Harsh Sanctions on Russia Trade Partner

Trump considers a sweeping bill targeting nations trading with Russia amid Ukraine war

November 17, 2025 | 10:07 IST