The Alaska summit between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, widely seen as crucial for the future of peace in Ukraine, has led to positive speculation. Former diplomat Veena Sikri believes that the additional tariffs previously levied by the United States on India might be up for reconsideration. She highlighted the possibility of these tariffs on Indian products being suspended.
Her remarks came following the meeting between Putin and Trump. Sikri indicated that the subject of tariffs on Russian oil exports to India, China, and the European Union may have been addressed by both leaders during their discussions.
Sikri explained, “From President Trump’s side, I think there is some kind of discussion on this, definitely with President Putin, and it seems that an understanding has been reached that tariffs on Russia’s oil sales to China, India, and even the EU do not need to be imposed. There might even be a possibility of trade between Russia and America. So, there is talk of that… President Putin talked about it, saying, ‘Oh yes, we have good trade with the USA.’ I think this issue of the additional tariff may not come up; maybe it will be put in abeyance for a while.”
Despite the absence of a concrete agreement to end the conflict in Ukraine, both leaders portrayed the talks as successful. The summit may signal a potential shift in Washington’s policy towards India.