President Donald Trump has called on European Union officials to impose tariffs of up to 100% on China and India as part of a strategy to put pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin, Reuters reported on Tuesday, citing a U.S. official and an EU diplomat.
According to reports, Trump made the request during a conference call with EU sanctions envoy David O’Sullivan and other officials. Washington has indicated it would apply similar tariffs if Brussels joins the effort.
Both China and India are major purchasers of Russian crude oil and play a key role in supporting Moscow’s economy while the war in Ukraine continues. Reuters noted that, so far, the EU has prioritized sanctions over tariffs in its approach toward Russia.
Later on Tuesday, Trump posted on social media stating that trade talks with India are ongoing and that he would be speaking with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the coming weeks.