US President Donald Trump on September 9, 2025, urged the European Union (EU) to impose tariffs of up to 100% on India and China as part of a coordinated effort to pressure Russia to end its war in Ukraine. Trump highlighted the significant role both India and China play as major buyers of Russian oil, which funds Russia’s military actions. This proposal was made during a high-level meeting in Washington with senior US and EU officials, including the EU’s sanctions envoy and representatives from the US Treasury and State Department. Trump stated the tariffs should remain until India and China cease their Russian oil purchases. He also expressed readiness for the US to “mirror” any tariffs the EU might impose. This move follows Trump’s previous action of raising tariffs on Indian goods to 50%, including a 25% additional duty on Indian crude oil imports from Russia. India has defended its oil purchases as driven by national interest and market demands, rejecting US tariffs as unjustified. The EU, however, remains cautious and unlikely to adopt such steep tariffs due to complex trade relations and ongoing negotiations, even as discussions continue between India and the US to resolve trade barriers. Trump expressed optimism about his friendship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the potential for improved trade relations.