Ex-Diplomat Veena Sikri Says US Tariffs on India May Be Put on Hold After Trump-Putin Talks

Former diplomat Veena Sikri has voiced optimism that the additional tariffs threatened by the United States on India may not materialise, citing positive signals from US President Donald Trump’s recent summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.

Speaking to ANI, Sikri said Trump appeared to have discussed Russia’s oil exports to India, China and the EU with Putin, and that an “understanding” may have been reached to hold back new duties.

“From President Trump’s side, I think there was definitely some discussion with President Putin, and it seems that tariffs on Russia’s oil sales to China, India, and even the EU do not need to be imposed,” Sikri said. She added that trade prospects between Russia and the US were also raised, noting Putin’s remarks about “good trade” with Washington.

Before the Alaska summit, concerns were high that India could face steep tariffs, with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warning that “if the meeting doesn’t go well, then sanctions or secondary tariffs could go up.”

However, Sikri said Trump has since indicated a more cautious approach, telling reporters he would “wait for a few weeks” before deciding on tariffs for countries buying Russian oil.

The Alaska summit, which Trump described as having gone “really well,” was followed by his discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, several European leaders, and the NATO Secretary General.

Trump had earlier announced a 50% tariff on India, including an additional 25% duty linked to its Russian oil purchases.