White House Claims Action Taken Against India to Stop Russia-Ukraine War

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has claimed that former U.S. President Donald Trump had pressured India to help stop the Russia-Ukraine war. According to her, the Trump administration imposed 25% punitive tariffs on 50% of Indian exports to the U.S.

 

The White House stated that in 2019, tariffs were raised on India’s steel and aluminum exports, which directly impacted trade worth USD 5.6 billion. By June 2020, tariffs on 27 Indian products were further increased, raising India’s losses substantially.

 

Trump as President: “War Would Not Have Happened”

Jean-Pierre added that Trump firmly believed the Russia-Ukraine conflict would never have occurred had he remained President. She noted that Trump had used trade measures as a diplomatic tool to pressurize New Delhi into playing a bigger role in maintaining peace.

 

Efforts for Lasting Peace Continue

The White House spokesperson also underlined that the Biden administration continues to make efforts toward establishing stable and lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine. Washington believes that global cooperation, including India’s, is crucial to resolving the ongoing conflict.