Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Sep 14: In a sharp escalation of rhetoric, US President Donald Trump has turned his attention toward America's NATO allies, criticizing them for what he described as "shocking" ongoing purchases of Russian oil amid the Ukraine war. While India has already been hit with steep punitive tariffs for its energy trade with Moscow, Trump is now warning of even broader sanctions — including massive tariffs on China — unless NATO nations align with his hardline stance.
Posting on his platform Truth Social, Trump lashed out at the military alliance, accusing member states of lacking full commitment to Ukraine's cause. “NATO’S commitment to WIN (the Ukraine war) has been far less than 100 per cent,” he wrote, adding that continued purchases of Russian oil by some member nations were “shocking.” Trump declared his readiness to impose “major sanctions on Russia” — but only once all NATO countries stop buying Russian oil and adopt similar measures.
He further proposed a bold, if unlikely, plan for NATO to impose 50% to 100% tariffs on China, arguing such a move would pressure Beijing to rein in Moscow and help end the war. “China has a strong control, and even grip, over Russia, and these powerful Tariffs will break that grip,” he claimed.
The criticism comes after Trump slapped a 25% punitive tariff on India for its imports of Russian oil — on top of an existing 25% reciprocal duty — while many NATO countries, including key European powers and Turkiye, have so far escaped similar penalties despite continuing substantial trade with Russia. EU member states, for instance, imported over $42 billion worth of goods from Russia last year, with fuels accounting for more than half of that figure. Turkiye alone recorded trade worth $52.6 billion with Russia in 2024.
In comparison, India’s total trade with Russia stood at $68.7 billion, mostly driven by oil imports. This has led to accusations of double standards, especially as the U.S. continues to court New Delhi as a strategic partner.
Pressed on this inconsistency, Trump’s nominee for ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, offered a puzzling defense before a Senate panel: “Frankly, we expect more from India than we do sometimes from other nations.”
Trump himself acknowledged the strain caused by the tariffs, admitting in a Fox News interview that the move has created a “rift” with India, but maintained that it was “not an easy thing to do” and underscored the seriousness of the issue.
Despite the friction, trade negotiations between India and the United States are still ongoing. Trump noted earlier this month that talks are advancing, with India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal expected in Washington this week for discussions with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. According to Gor, talks have reached the “nitty-gritty” stage, suggesting both sides are still working toward a resolution — even as tensions simmer over tariffs and energy geopolitics.