Finland Urges U.S. to Reconsider Tariffs on India, Rejects Secondary Sanctions

New York, September 30 — Finland, a close U.S. ally, has urged Washington to reassess its tariff policy toward India, even as President Karol Stubb maintains warm ties with U.S.

President Donald Trump. Despite Trump’s decision to double tariffs on Indian goods to 50%, Finnish leaders have emphasized the importance of strengthening, rather than straining, trade relations with New Delhi.

Speaking on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen made a significant intervention, saying Europe is exploring ways to reduce tariffs on India in order to boost bilateral trade. She added that, despite repeated U.S. requests, the European Union has no intention of imposing secondary tariffs on India for its purchase of Russian oil and defense equipment.

“We want to increase trade with India,” Valtonen said. “Rather than raising new tariffs, our goal is to lower them and move forward swiftly and in good faith toward a free trade agreement.” She also expressed optimism that India would align more closely with the EU’s foreign policy engagement.

Earlier this month, the Financial Times reported that President Trump had pressed the EU to impose tariffs as high as 100% on India and China, as part of efforts to raise the economic costs of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Responding to questions on the matter, Valtonen reiterated Europe’s stance: “We have a very effective sanctions policy in place. These sanctions remain our primary and most effective tool to compel Russia to end its unlawful war.” She clarified that while Europe is considering additional measures, any new tariffs would be directed against Russia itself, not India or China.

Explaining the EU’s position, Valtonen noted that unlike the U.S., Europe still imports certain limited goods and services from Russia, though it has already reduced crude oil imports by 90%. “There is more to be done, but this remains our principal approach,” she said.

President Stubb had previously cautioned Trump against alienating India and the broader Global South, stressing that without a more cooperative and respectful foreign policy toward these regions, the West risks losing influence. Trump initially imposed a 25% tariff on India, later doubling it to 50% while citing New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil. He argued that such trade indirectly finances Moscow’s war in Ukraine.