India welcomed the summit terming the pursuit of peace by Putin and Trump as commendable. “India welcomes the Summit meeting in Alaska between US President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin of Russia. Their leadership in the pursuit of peace is highly commendable. India appreciates the progress made in the Summit. The way forward can only be through dialogue and diplomacy. The world wants to see an early end to the conflict in Ukraine,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.For India, the lack of a definitive ceasefire or framework complicates matters. But it doesn’t close the door. Trump had earlier announced a 25% secondary tariff on Indian purchases of Russian oil, set to take effect on August 27, as part of efforts to isolate Moscow economically. But in remarks after the Alaska summit, Trump signaled that the measure might be delayed. “Well, he (Russian President Vladimir Putin) lost an oil client, so to speak, which is India, which was doing about 40 per cent of the oil. China, as you know, is doing a lot
And if I did what’s called a secondary sanction, or a secondary tariff, it would be very devastating from their standpoint. If I have to do it, I’ll do it. Maybe I won’t have to do it,” Trump told Fox News, implying that the tariff deadline could quietly lapse.”Because of what happened today… I don’t have to think about that right now. I may have to think about it in 2–3 weeks,” he said. The Indian government has so far refrained from commenting on the inconclusive summit outcome. But any delay or suspension of the penalty tariff would be seen as a relief in New Delhi, which has carefully balanced ties with both Washington and Moscow while continuing to buy discounted Russian crude. “It’s still fingers crossed. Our Prime Minister had said this is not the era of war and we support the peace talks. But we are ready to deal with any eventuality in our national interest,” said a source. However, Trump’s additional claim that India had “already stopped buying Russian oil” raised eyebrows. New Delhi has made no such announcement and continues to defend its sovereign right to energy diversification. Trump also brushed aside questions about similar penalties for China, saying, “I don’t have to think about that now.” Despite the ambiguity, India’s diplomatic calculus may find temporary comfort in the shifting tone.
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