In a high-stakes diplomatic development, Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump today in Alaska, with the central agenda being an attempt to halt the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war. However, in the lead-up to this meeting, Trump has made a striking claim involving India, Russia, and U.S. trade policy.
Speaking on a U.S. news radio show, Trump asserted that tariffs imposed on India indirectly influenced Putin’s decision to agree to the meeting. According to Trump, the additional tariffs made it harder for India to purchase oil from Russia, creating economic pressure on Moscow.
“When you impose tariffs, it has an effect. India was hit with extra tariffs, making it difficult for them to buy oil from Russia. Russia is a major oil producer, and India is its second-largest market. When you lose your second-largest customer — and your first one is also at risk — that has consequences,” Trump said.
Trump suggested that this loss of a major oil buyer added to Russia’s economic strain, pushing Putin toward the negotiation table. He claimed that the U.S. strategy of leveraging trade restrictions against India was part of a broader plan to pressure Russia diplomatically.
As he often does, Trump also revisited his earlier assertion that he personally intervened to stop a potential war between India and Pakistan. According to him, without his mediation, that conflict could have escalated into a nuclear confrontation.
A Meeting That Could Decide War or Peace
The Trump–Putin meeting in Alaska is being closely watched by global powers. Analysts believe the talks could either lay the groundwork for peace or set the stage for a larger conflict. Trump himself has warned that if the war does not stop, Russia will face “very bad consequences.”
However, a breakthrough remains uncertain. President Putin has repeatedly made it clear that Russia will not give up territories it currently controls in Ukraine. Initially, Trump had proposed a land-swap arrangement, but this idea was firmly rejected by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who stated that Ukraine will not give up “even one inch” of its land. NATO and other Western allies have supported Zelensky’s position.
Following this pushback, Trump has now publicly dropped the idea of territorial negotiations, saying there will be “no land deals.” Whether Putin will agree to talks under these terms remains unclear.
U.S. View: India Was Key to Making the Meeting Happen
U.S. officials believe that the meeting itself might not have been possible without the economic pressure created through India. By targeting one of Russia’s largest oil customers, Washington aimed to cut a major revenue source for Moscow, thereby increasing its incentive to engage in dialogue.
While the outcome of today’s meeting remains unknown, one thing is certain — this summit could shape the trajectory of the Russia–Ukraine conflict for months, if not years, to come.
The world now waits to see whether Alaska becomes the venue for a historic peace agreement or a prelude to further escalation
Disclaimer:
This news article is based on statements made by public figures, available media reports, and official briefings. The views and opinions expressed by individuals mentioned in the article are their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication. All information is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered as definitive or conclusive.
