Trump signals tougher Russia sanctions, India oil trade may face heat

In a move that might also affect nations like India that still import Russian oil, US President Donald Trump indicated on Sunday that he is prepared to slap additional sanctions on Russia over the conflict in Ukraine.

In an interview with reporters at the White House, Trump responded bluntly when asked if he was considering further sanctions: “Yeah, I am.” He offered no further details, but the remark echoes growing signals from his administration about tougher economic measures targeting Moscow and its trading partners.

Scott Bessent, the US Treasury Secretary, had before called in public for tougher sanctions against countries that continue to import Russian oil. He maintained that President Vladimir Putin could not be persuaded to engage in peace negotiations until the Russian economy was on the verge of collapse.

“More sanctions and secondary tariffs on nations purchasing Russian oil would force Putin to the negotiating table and cut off Moscow’s revenue stream,” Bessent told NBC.

Russia has maintained consistent profits by selling discounted crude to China, India, and other consumers despite repeated sanctions from the US and the EU. Washington has regularly criticized the purchases made by New Delhi; some officials have even referred to the fight as “Modi’s war.” Trump accused India of “fueling the Russian war machine,” while Vice President JD Vance recently claimed that tariffs on Indian goods are being used as leverage.

Many Indian commodities are currently subject to a 25 percent penal tax, which raises the overall import charge to 50 percent. In defense of its stance, New Delhi has emphasized that national interest drives energy imports.

The comments highlight the delicate balance in bilateral relations and come just days after Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a cordial social media discussion.

Meanwhile, the war escalated Sunday as Russian forces struck Kyiv’s main government complex, heightening fears of a prolonged conflict.