After holding high-level discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, US President Donald Trump indicated a possible softening of his stance toward countries trading with Russia, particularly India. While no breakthrough on the Ukraine conflict was achieved, Trump’s remarks offered a brief reprieve for nations still importing Russian oil.

The Alaska summit, which lasted nearly three hours, ended with both leaders describing the exchange as “productive,” though no agreement on halting the war in Ukraine was reached. “We haven’t quite got there, but we’ve made some headway,” Trump admitted. “There’s no deal until there’s a deal.”

In a later appearance on Fox News, Trump suggested a pause on secondary sanctions. “I may have to think about it in two or three weeks or something, but we don’t have to think about that immediately,” he said. This comment has been interpreted as a signal that India might avoid further penalties — for now.

India Hit With 50% US Tariffs Over Russian Oil Dealings

Trump had previously slapped India with heavy import duties, citing New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil. The tariff package includes an initial 25% duty and an additional 25% penalty, bringing the total to 50% — the highest imposed on any US trading partner alongside Brazil.

Despite President Trump’s assertion that “he (Putin) lost an oil client, so to speak, which is India,” Indian authorities have denied any disruption in Russian crude purchases. Indian Oil Corporation chairman AS Sahney confirmed, “India has not halted oil purchases from Russia and continues to buy solely on the basis of economic considerations.”

The tariffs, analysts warn, could threaten close to 1% of India’s GDP and disproportionately impact key export sectors such as textiles, marine products, and leather. The Indian government labeled the US actions “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable,” and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has remained firm, saying India “would not back down in the face of economic pressure.”

India Risks $21B Oil Bill Spike if Russian Imports End

India had emerged as Russia’s top oil buyer in 2022 after Western sanctions pushed Moscow to pivot eastward. A State Bank of India report estimated that a complete stop on Russian oil could increase India’s import costs by $9 billion this fiscal year and $12 billion the next. The report also indicated that Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE could be fallback suppliers if Russian flows are halted.

Trump previously warned that nations supporting Russia’s oil trade — particularly India and China — could face secondary sanctions. “If I did secondary sanctions now, that would be devastating for them,” he said in the same interview, although he stopped short of announcing concrete steps.

The Alaska talks drew attention from across the globe — particularly in Kyiv, New Delhi, and European capitals — with speculation high over whether the meeting would ease global tensions. But the summit ended with vague statements and no clear plan of action. Putin expressed approval of the “friendly” tone of the dialogue and praised Trump for understanding that “Russia has its own national interests.”

Trump Suggests Possible Meeting With Putin and Zelensky

Notably, Trump proposed a possible future meeting between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, one that he might attend himself. “I might also attend,” Trump said, though no timeline or venue has been mentioned. Putin, however, made no reference to such a meeting when speaking to reporters.

In a notable comment aimed at Ukraine, Trump urged President Zelenskyy to seek a peace agreement. “Make a deal,” he said during the Fox News interview. Trump also hinted at a possible prisoner exchange, revealing that he had received a list of “thousands of prisoners” from the Russian side who might be released as part of a future negotiation.

For now, India remains in a state of uncertainty. Although Trump refrained from targeting China immediately for its Russian oil imports, his silence on India — despite their strategic partnership leaves the door open for future tariffs or penalties. “Because of what happened today, I think I don’t have to think about that now,” Trump said, referring specifically to China’s position.

India continues to weigh its options, with reports suggesting that Russian crude is being offered at discounted rates. However, pressure from the US and possible sanctions could force a strategic shift in sourcing energy a move that would have financial and geopolitical consequences.