When asked about action against Russia, US President Donald Trump became agitated. He cited the secondary sanctions imposed on India and told the journalist that they should find a new job.
America: US President Donald Trump often makes headlines for his sharp statements and angry reactions during press conferences. Recently, during a meeting with Polish President Karol Nawrocki, one such statement of his came to light. Trump became so agitated when asked why the US was not taking firm action against Russia that he advised the journalist to find a new job. During this, he also cited the Secondary Sanctions and tariffs imposed on India and claimed that this caused Russia a loss of "hundreds of billions of dollars".
A Pointed Question for Trump
During the meeting, a Polish journalist asked why the US was not taking concrete steps against Russia. This question hit Trump so hard that he immediately retorted. An enraged Trump said that India is the largest importer of Russian oil and his administration has imposed heavy tariffs on it.
Trump sarcastically remarked, "How do you know there's been no action? Isn't putting secondary tariffs on a major purchaser like India an action?"
Claim of 50% Tariff on India
Trump clearly stated that a 25% Reciprocal Tariff is already in place on India. In addition, an additional 25% tariff has been imposed for continuing to buy oil from Russia. In this way, a total of 50% tariff has been imposed on India.
He also said that this tariff has been effective since August 27 and has directly impacted Russia. According to him, this move has already caused Russia a loss of "hundreds of billions of dollars".
'Phase Two and Phase Three are Yet to Come'
Trump also made it clear in his statement that the process of pressuring Russia will not end here. He said, "I haven't completed phase two or phase three yet."
It is believed that America is preparing to impose even stricter sanctions. Trump did not reveal what form the "Phase Two" and "Phase Three" actions against Russia would take, but he did make it clear that Washington is not backing down.
Attack on Journalist and 'New Job' Comment
Trump's anger was not limited to policy. He called the journalist's question "useless" and said, "When you say there's been no action, I think you should find a new job."
This statement quickly went viral on social media and international media. Critics of Trump called it an attack on press freedom, while his supporters called it the "response of a b leader."
Why India is at the Center of This Controversy
India has been importing crude oil from Russia for a long time. Despite sanctions from Western countries, India has continued its purchases from Russia, considering its energy needs. This has concerned the US that Russia is not facing significant economic losses.
The Trump administration believes that if major importers like India and China stop buying from Russia, it will put direct pressure on Moscow. However, India prioritizes its national interests and continues oil imports.
Impact of Secondary Sanctions
Secondary sanctions mean that if a third country does business with a sanctioned country like Russia, then US punitive measures will also apply to it. The impact of secondary sanctions on India is that some American financial institutions are reluctant to work with Indian companies. Additionally, Indian exports to the US market could also be affected.
How Much Impact on Russia
Trump claims that his policy has already caused Russia a loss of "hundreds of billions of dollars." However, international analysts believe that Russia has compensated for its losses through Asian countries, especially India and China. By supplying crude oil at a discount, Russia has not only retained its old customers but also opened up new markets. In such a situation, it is difficult to say how much real impact the US sanctions have had on Russia.
