A recent summit in Alaska between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin is viewed by many as a significant step towards peace in Ukraine. Former diplomat Veena Sikri has expressed optimism that the United States may reconsider the additional tariffs previously imposed on India. Sikri believes that the tariffs on Indian goods could potentially be put on hold.
These comments were made after what many observers are calling a pivotal meeting between Putin and Trump. Sikri, speaking on the matter, suggested that the topic of tariffs on Russian oil exports to India, China, and the European Union may have been discussed by the two leaders.
“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,” Sikri stated.
Although the meeting didn’t result in an agreement to fully resolve or halt the conflict in Ukraine, both presidents characterized the talks as productive. The summit has opened the possibility of a shift in Washington’s approach toward India.