The White House is providing justifications for the tariffs imposed on India. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt indicated that the tariff was implemented by former President Donald Trump as a strategy to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict. She stated that Trump is keen on bringing the ongoing conflict to a resolution.
The United States initially applied a 25% tariff on India. An additional 25% was subsequently added, resulting in a total tariff of 50%.
Leavitt explained that the former President was actively involved in pressuring for an end to the Russia-Ukraine war, including the imposition of the tariff on India and other related measures. She underscored Trump’s consistent efforts to facilitate peace in the region.
The White House also alluded to a potential trilateral meeting. Leavitt highlighted that the former President wishes for the conflict to end soon. Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and urged him to negotiate with Putin to find a resolution. The meeting included the participation of the NATO Secretary-General and other European leaders, who praised Trump’s actions. Leavitt mentioned that after the meeting, Trump hoped for a discussion between the two leaders to find a path to peace.
Within 48 hours of Trump’s meeting with Putin, European leaders met at the White House, demonstrating the efforts made by Trump to foster peace. Leavitt stated that Trump shared his views on a peace agreement with the European leaders at the White House. They appreciated Trump’s efforts to achieve peace.
Leavitt reiterated that if Trump had been President at the time, the war between Russia and Ukraine would not have occurred. She stated that the leaders of both nations are thankful for Trump’s endeavor to mediate a peace agreement and added that the previous administration did not show such initiative, a fact recognized by Russian President Vladimir Putin.