Marco Rubio Hopes To 'Fix' 25% Tariffs On India Over Russian Oil

Marco Rubio Hints at Possible Relief from 25% Tariffs on India Over Russian Oil Purchases

Rubio indicated the possibility of maintaining sanctions against Russia while seeking resolution with India. (File)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has suggested that the Trump administration might be open to addressing the additional 25 percent tariffs imposed on India regarding its Russian oil purchases.

During his conversation with NBC News, Rubio discussed American strategies to resolve the Ukrainian conflict and expressed hope that the supplementary tariffs against India could be addressed.

"We have already seen the measures we have taken with regards to India, although that's something we hope we can fix," Rubio stated.

Rubio directed criticism toward European nations for insufficient action.

"I think it's important for Europe to impose sanctions, too. Right now, there are countries in Europe that are still buying massive amounts of oil and natural gas from Russia, which is absurd. They're asking for the US to impose more sanctions, but there are countries in Europe that are not doing enough. So, I think they need to do more," he emphasized.

The Secretary of State did not rule out the possibility of implementing further sanctions against Russia.

"At some point, he [Trump] may have to decide to impose new sanctions. The President has the ability to do more, and he's considering doing more because of the direction this has taken," Rubio noted.

His remarks follow a recent meeting with India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar in New York.

Following their discussions, Rubio emphasized that India holds "critical" importance to the United States and expressed approval of ongoing trade dialogues.

EAM Jaishankar shared on X, "Our conversation covered a range of bilateral and international issues of current concern. Agreed on the importance of sustained engagement to progress on priority areas".

Additionally, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on Monday in New York to negotiate the initial portion of a trade agreement between the two countries.

Sources informed IANS that the meeting concentrated on resolving key obstacles, with both parties remaining optimistic about reaching an interim understanding in the near future.