Trump-Putin Meeting / Trump's big claim, said- 'Russia agreed to talks because of the tariffs imposed on India'

Trump-Putin Meeting: An important meeting is going to be held between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska on August 15, 2025. This meeting is considered important in terms of resolving the Russia-Ukraine war and affecting global geopolitical equations. Before the meeting, Trump has claimed that the tariff imposed on India played an important role in bringing Russia to the negotiating table.

Trump claims: Tariff on India forced Russia

In an interview with Fox News, Donald Trump said, "Everything has an impact. When we told India that we will impose a duty on you for buying oil from Russia, India had to stop buying Russian oil. After this Russia called and agreed to meet." Describing India as Russia's second largest oil buyer, Trump said that Moscow faced economic pressure due to this tariff. He further said, "When you lose your second largest customer, and maybe even on the verge of losing the first, it is a big step towards negotiations."

The US has imposed a 25% base tariff on India and an additional 25% tariff for buying Russian oil, taking the total tariff to 50%. Trump believes that this economic pressure prompted Russia to negotiate in Alaska.

India's stand: No change in oil purchase

India has refused to change its policy of buying oil from Russia despite US pressure. The Ministry of External Affairs clarified on Thursday that India's Russian oil imports are based solely on economic and strategic interests. India said that it will not stop buying oil from Russia and this decision is not affected by the threat of US tariffs. India also pointed out that its trade relationship with Russia is important for energy security and long-term economic stability.

Trump's warning and Putin's response

Trump has given a stern warning to Russia before the Alaska meeting. He said that if Putin did not agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine, Russia would have to face "extremely serious consequences". On the other hand, Vladimir Putin has praised Trump's peace efforts while exercising restraint. Putin said that the US is making serious efforts to end the war and global stability, and he sees this meeting as a constructive opportunity.

Global significance of the meeting

This meeting to be held in Alaska is historic in many ways. This is the first time since 2021 that the Presidents of the US and Russia will meet face to face. Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, where this meeting is taking place, has been an important center for monitoring Soviet activities during the Cold War. This place is also symbolically important, as in 1867 Russia sold Alaska to the US.

The main agenda of the meeting is to discuss the possibilities of ending the Russia-Ukraine war. However, analysts believe that any major agreement is unlikely immediately. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made it clear that no peace agreement will be acceptable without Ukraine's consent.

What is at stake for India?

This meeting is important for India in many ways. US tariffs are putting a heavy pressure on India's exports. According to Bloomberg Economics, if the tariff rates continue like this, Indian exports to the US could fall by up to 60%, which could affect India's GDP by 1%. Despite this, India has taken steps to strengthen its defense and industrial cooperation with Russia. Recently, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval visited Moscow and signed agreements with Russia for cooperation in aluminum, fertilizers, railways, and mining technology.

What will be the future?

The results of the Alaska meeting can have a profound impact on global politics and trade. If this meeting is successful, it could be a step towards peace in the Russia-Ukraine war, and may increase the possibility of relief in tariffs imposed on India. However, if the talks fail, the US threat of imposing additional tariffs on India and other countries could become a reality. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant has warned that tariffs and sanctions could increase after failed talks.

Analysts believe that India will have to further strengthen its diplomatic moves in this situation. While maintaining relations with Russia, India will also have to balance with the US and other Western countries. Also, the meeting with China at the upcoming SCO summit could be an opportunity for India to formulate a strategy against US tariffs.