'To bring Ukraine war to end': US says Trump's 'intent' behind India tariffs was to pressure Russia

US President Donald Trump wants the war in Ukraine to end at the earliest and that is why he has put sanctions on India, according to the White House.

Trump has slapped 50 per cent tariffs on India — 25 per cent on July 31 as part of the rollout of tariffs for more than 60 countries and additional 25 per cent on August 6 over the purchase of Russian oil. He has accused India of driving the Russian war machine.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday said that Trump has put “tremendous public pressure” to end the Russian war in Ukraine and his actions on India are a part of that.

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“The President has put tremendous public pressure to bring this war to a close. He has taken actions as you seen sanctions on India and other actions as well. He has made himself very clear that he wants to see this war and he has rejected the ideas of others that have been raised that we should wait another month before any meetings takes place. The President wants to move forward and bring war to an end as quickly as possible,” said Leavitt.

However, Trump has not imposed any tariffs or sanctions on Russia so far. Instead, he has continuously accepted Russia’s terms and put Ukraine in a tough spot.

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VIDEO | Washington DC: Addressing a press briefing, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt refers to sanctions on India while talking about ending Russia-Ukraine war.

She says, "The President has put tremendous public pressure to bring this war to a close. He has taken… pic.twitter.com/ShZJMTO9oV

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 19, 2025

ALSO READ: Trump's 50% tariffs may cut exports to US by 60%, lower GDP growth by 1%, say analysts

Trump’s tariffs on India along with a host of other actions, such as the meddling in the Kashmir issue, undermining India on Operation Sindoor, and aligning himself with Pakistan, have driven the India-US relationship to the lowest point in years.

Trade talks between the two countries have also stalled. In July, India and the United States were close to finalising a draft for a deal but Trump intervened and made new unrealistic demands that led to a stalemate.