Trump Links Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire to New Tariffs, Expands Trade Pressure on India

US President Donald Trump has signaled a sharp escalation in his administration’s foreign policy and trade posture, setting a new 10-day deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine while also threatening India with fresh tariffs amid stalled trade talks.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on his return flight from Aberdeen, Scotland, Trump said, “Ten days from today,” in response to a question on how soon he expected movement on a resolution to the Ukraine conflict. 

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“Then we’re going to put on tariffs and stuff… I don’t know if it’s going to affect Russia, because it wants to, obviously, keep the war going. But we’re going to put on tariffs and the various things that you put on.”

Trump’s remarks mark a significant tightening of his earlier 50-day window and come at a time when diplomatic backchannels with Moscow appear stalled. 

The former and current president also suggested the Kremlin might be resistant to peace but added, “It could (affect them),” referring to the impact of potential new economic measures.

Simultaneously, Trump confirmed his administration is preparing to impose 25% tariffs on imports from India. 

“They will pay 25%,” he said, adding, “India has been a good friend, but India has changed basically more tariffs than almost any other country. But now I’m in charge, and you just can't do that.”

While it’s unclear whether a formal trade deal with New Delhi is close, Trump indicated talks were ongoing but inconclusive. When asked directly if the deal with India was finalized, he replied: “I know it is not okay. We are going to see.”

According to recent Indian media reports, bilateral negotiations have faltered due to diverging demands. The US is pushing for broader market access, particularly duty-free entry for American goods. 

India, in return, is reportedly seeking a ceiling of 15% on US duties imposed on Indian exports while expressing willingness to increase imports of American defense equipment, liquefied natural gas, and nuclear technologies.

The dual warnings to Moscow and New Delhi reveal Trump’s strategy of leveraging economic tools to compel geopolitical outcomes. 

They also mark an inflection point in how the US is dealing with two major players -- India, a key strategic partner, and Russia, an adversary locked in a protracted war in Eastern Europe.

Whether the pressure campaign will yield tangible shifts in behavior remains to be seen. 

But with only ten days on the clock for Russia and a looming tariff imposition on India, Washington appears poised for a decisive few weeks that could reshape key dimensions of global diplomacy and trade.