EU Rules Out Tariffs on India, China Amid Ongoing Trade Talks

The European Union is unlikely to impose steep tariffs on India or China, key buyers of Russian oil, despite pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, Reuters reported, citing EU sources. An EU delegation, including its Russia sanctions chief, visited Washington this week to discuss coordinated measures against Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine. Trump reportedly urged the bloc to levy tariffs of up to 100% on India and China to weaken Russian energy revenues. While the EU has sanctioned Russian entities and listed two Chinese banks and an Indian refinery in its July package, officials stressed that tariffs require lengthy investigations and legal justification. The bloc has only imposed tariffs related to the war on Russian and Belarusian fertilizers and farm goods. Moreover, the EU is finalizing a trade deal with India, which it is unlikely to risk.