New Delhi: Donald Trump is of the opinion that the Alaska summit with Vladimir Putin “went well”, and gave it a “10/10” rating.
Consequently, the US President is not considering secondary sanctions on Russia and its trade partners immediately.
That is a relief for New Delhi, as Trump had imposed an additional 25% levy on Indian goods because of its policy of purchasing Russian oil.
However, Trump added that further sanctions on India and Russia’s other trade partners may have to be reconsidered in 2-3 weeks.
“I may have to think about it (sanctions) in two or three weeks or something, but we don’t have to think about that immediately,” the US President said in an interview with Fox News, in a clear softening of stance after Saturday’s talks with Russian President Putin over the Ukraine war.
“If I did secondary sanctions now, that would be devastating for them,” Trump added, without elaborating on possible future actions.
Trump had earlier taken an extremely aggressive stand, warning countries buying Russian oil that secondary sanctions were on the horizon. China and India are the top two buyers of Russian oil.
Also Read: Conspiracy Theorists Believe Putin Send A Body Double To Meet Trump
Days before the Alaska summit, Trump asserted that the punitive tariffs imposed on India had influenced Russia’s decision to seek a meeting with him as Moscow was losing its “second-largest customer”.
India, however, called out US hypocrisy and clarified that Trump’s threats have not resulted in a pause on Russian oil imports.
Also Read: Zelensky To Meet Trump In Washington After Alaska Summit With Putin
US tariffs on India currently stand at 50%, including a 25% reciprocal tariff announced earlier. The overall duty on Indian imports was then doubled because of its continued purchase of Russian oil.
