Despite a recent push from U.S. President Donald Trump for the European Union to impose steep tariffs on India and China, reports suggest that the EU is unlikely to comply. Trump's proposal involves tariffs of up to 100% on goods from both countries. This is purportedly aimed at pressuring Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine by reducing revenue from Russian oil purchased by India and China.

Trump's administration appears eager to implement these tariffs, with one U.S. official stating they are "ready to go, ready to go right now, but we are only going to do this if our European partners step up with us". Trump has already increased tariffs on Indian imports to 50% in response to India's continued purchase of Russian oil and duties on Chinese exports stand at 30%. He has also suggested that the U.S. would "mirror" any tariffs imposed by the EU on Beijing and New Delhi, potentially leading to a significant increase in U.S. levies on imports from both countries.

However, the EU seems hesitant to adopt such aggressive measures. According to EU sources, discussions regarding potential tariffs have not been initiated with either India or China. An EU diplomat stated, "So far, there is no discussion on possible tariffs neither on India...nor with China".

Several factors contribute to the EU's reluctance. The EU is currently working towards completing a trade agreement with India and is wary of actions that might jeopardize these negotiations. The EU prefers targeted measures and sanctions rather than broad tariffs. The EU has already levied sanctions against Russia, including sanctions on two Chinese banks and a prominent Indian refinery.

Furthermore, the EU may be considering the broader implications of such tariffs on global trade and diplomatic relations. Slapping steep tariffs on two of the world's largest economies could disrupt supply chains, increase consumer prices, and escalate trade tensions. It could also strain relations with India and China, both of which are important partners for the EU in various areas, including trade, investment, and climate change.

Despite the pressure from the U.S., the EU appears to be taking a more cautious and considered approach, prioritizing its own trade interests and strategic relationships. While the possibility of future tariffs cannot be entirely ruled out, the current sentiment suggests that the EU is unlikely to impose the steep tariffs on India and China advocated by President Trump.