The anticipation surrounding the upcoming meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump is growing worldwide, and India is paying close attention. The meeting, set to take place in Alaska, is of particular interest, given the recent imposition of 50% tariffs by the US on Indian goods.
The Indian government is focused on the Russia-Ukraine war and hopes for a quick resolution. The US has placed additional punitive tariffs on India because of its crude oil purchases from Russia, citing that these purchases are providing economic support to Russia during the war.
India’s government is primarily concerned with protecting its citizens, especially small business owners, from the effects of these tariffs. Sources say that an over-reliance on a transactional approach is not in India’s best interest, especially if it impacts the population or resources. Therefore, Indian negotiators are working to persuade the US government to eliminate the tariffs, while remaining cautious of speculative narratives.
Government sources indicate that it would be a mistake to believe that India does not understand President Trump in his potential second term. Indian officials are well aware of how Trump operates.
President Trump announced that he is quickly moving forward with his plans to meet with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Alaska this Friday. This will be a sudden summit where Trump aims to use negotiation to end Putin’s war in Ukraine.
Speaking at the White House on Monday, Trump stated, “Maybe in the first two minutes, I’ll know whether a deal can be made or not.” When a journalist enquired how, Trump responded, “Because that’s what I do. I make deals.”