Brief by Shorts91 NewsDesk / 02:45pm on 15 Aug 2025,Friday India Global
India has unexpectedly emerged as a central factor in the Trump-Putin Alaska summit, with U.S. President Donald Trump using steep tariffs on Indian imports of Russian oil as leverage to pressure Moscow into Ukraine ceasefire talks. The 50% tariffs, effective from August 27, target Russia’s second-largest oil customer India, potentially disrupting global energy flows. Trump claims the move helped push Putin to the negotiating table. Despite rising U.S. imports, India calls the tariffs “unjustified,” stressing its strategic autonomy and balanced energy sourcing. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned of further escalation if talks fail. India’s role, though indirect, underscores its growing influence in global diplomacy and the risks of being caught in great-power rivalry. (PC: Firstpost & NDTV)
