NATO Chief Mark Rutte Warns India, China, and Brazil of 100% Secondary Sanctions for Buying Oil from Russia. The US may take b action soon.
Trade Deal: NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has issued a stern warning to India, China, and Brazil, stating that the United States may impose 100 percent secondary sanctions (tariffs) against them if these countries continue to purchase oil and gas from Russia. This statement comes as the US and its allies are strategizing to increase pressure on Russia regarding the Ukraine war. India and China are currently the largest buyers of Russian oil, a situation that is causing unease for the US and NATO countries.
NATO's Direct Warning on Trade with Russia
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has issued a b warning to India, China, and Brazil regarding their trade with Russia. In a meeting with American senators, he stated that if these countries do not stop buying oil and gas from Russia, the US may impose secondary sanctions of up to 100 percent. This statement was made as the US is trying to end the Ukraine war by exerting maximum pressure on Russia.
Mark Rutte said, “If you are in Beijing or Delhi, or the President of Brazil, you should seriously consider this. Because it could adversely affect your country's economy.”
Trump's Threat and Mark Rutte's Confirmation
Former US President Donald Trump recently indicated that if Russia is not ready for a peace agreement within 50 days, the US would impose 100 percent tariffs on countries that buy oil from Russia. Although Trump did not name any specific countries, NATO Chief Mark Rutte, in his statement, clearly named India, China, and Brazil, warning these countries directly.
"I Don't Think They Know What's Coming"
Mark Rutte used b language in his statement, saying, “I don't think these countries have yet understood what will hit them if they continue trading with Russia. It will take them a while to understand. But American senators are talking to their counterparts and this message is also being made clear through the media.”
US Senators' Strategy: Tariffs up to 500%
A bill is being discussed in the US Congress that proposes to impose tariffs of up to 500 percent on countries trading with Russia. This proposal could further intensify America's anti-Russia strategy.
India is currently in the process of finalizing a trade agreement with the US, which includes a 20 percent tariff. If secondary sanctions are implemented, this agreement could be economically challenging for India.
India and China Become the Largest Oil Buyers from Russia
Since the Ukraine war, India and China have emerged as the largest importers of crude oil from Russia. According to a report by the think tank Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), between December 2022 and May 2025, China bought 47 percent of Russia's total crude oil, while India bought 38 percent.
In 2024, India imported approximately 1.8 to 2.07 million barrels of crude oil daily from Russia, which accounts for about 40 to 44 percent of India's total needs. The total value of this was estimated at about $52.73 billion. China also purchased 1.76 to 2 million barrels of oil daily from Russia in 2024, costing approximately 78 billion euros. In March 2023 alone, India and China imported 91 percent of Russia's total oil.
