NATO director states India, China, Brazil facing ‘consequences’ for Russia trade relations

(MENAFN) NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has cautioned India, China, and Brazil that they could face serious repercussions if they continue their trade relations with Russia.

Rutte made these remarks after meeting with US Senators on Tuesday, following President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of additional military aid for Ukraine and a threat to impose 100% secondary tariffs on buyers of Russian exports unless a peace deal is reached within 50 days.

“My advice to leaders in Beijing, Delhi, and Brasilia is to think carefully about this, because the fallout could be severe,” Rutte told reporters. “They should call Vladimir Putin and make it clear that he must engage seriously in peace negotiations — otherwise, the consequences for their countries will be substantial.”

Since the start of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, both India and China have ramped up their imports of Russian oil. In May, India became Russia’s second-largest fossil fuel customer, with purchases valued at $4.9 billion — 72% of which was crude oil, according to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air.

The US and India are currently negotiating a trade agreement, working against an August 1 deadline set by Trump to avoid reciprocal tariffs.

Rutte’s warning mirrors that of US Senator Lindsey Graham, who previously stated he is drafting a sanctions bill — dubbed an “economic bunker buster” — aimed at India, China, and Brazil. Trump has voiced his support for the legislation.

Since starting his second term in January, Trump has issued direct threats to the BRICS nations and introduced new tariffs on countries viewed as aligned with the bloc.

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