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Key Points

A foreign affairs expert has dismissed NATO's sanctions warning against India, China and Brazil as empty US rhetoric. The alliance threatened secondary sanctions if these nations continue trading with Russia. US lawmakers are pushing extreme tariffs while Trump demands peace talks within 50 days. Analysts say this reflects Washington's failed attempts to isolate Moscow economically.

Key Points: Expert Slams NATO Warning on India China Brazil Russia Trade

  • NATO chief warns India China Brazil of secondary sanctions
  • US Senators push 500% tariffs on Russia trade partners
  • Trump sets 50-day deadline for Russia peace talks
  • Analyst calls NATO threats empty pressure tactics
3 min read

US using rhetoric to pressure Russia, says expert on NATO sanctions warning

Foreign affairs analyst Waiel Awwad dismisses NATO sanctions threat as US pressure tactic against Moscow amid failed Russia isolation efforts.

"They wanted to isolate Russia, but they have failed. This is all rhetoric to put pressure on Russia - Waiel Awwad"

New Delhi, July 16

Senior journalist and foreign affairs expert Waiel Awwad on Wednesday slammed NATO's recent warning of sanctions against India, China, and Brazil over their trade ties with Russia, calling it part of the United States' pressure rhetoric against Moscow. He said the US has failed to isolate Russia despite trying for over three years and is now resorting to such tactics.

"There's a lot of rhetoric coming from the US and NATO forces because they know the war with Russia will continue. They will send more advanced weapons to hit Moscow. It seems the US President has given up," Awwad said, reacting to NATO's latest comments. "They wanted to isolate Russia, but they have failed. This is all rhetoric to put pressure on Russia," he added.

Awwad's comments come after NATO chief Mark Rutte, during a press conference in Washington alongside US Senators Thom Tillis and Jeanne Shaheen, urged India, China, and Brazil to reconsider their economic ties with Moscow or face "100 per cent secondary sanctions" if Russia does not commit to peace talks on Ukraine.

Rutte echoed the position taken by Trump, who earlier this week threatened severe tariffs on countries maintaining trade with Russia. "My encouragement to these three countries, particularly, is that if you live now in Beijing or in Delhi, or you are the President of Brazil, you might want to take a look at this because this might hit you very hard," Rutte said.

He further appealed to these nations to pressure Russia into talks. "Please make the phone call to Vladimir Putin and tell him that he has to get serious about peace talks, because otherwise this will slam back on Brazil, on India and on China in a massive way," he warned.

The statement follows Trump's announcement on supplying Ukraine with additional military aid, including air defence systems, missiles, and ammunition, largely funded by European allies. Trump also gave Russia a 50-day deadline to enter serious peace negotiations or face full secondary sanctions.

Adding to the pressure, US Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal issued a warning that nations purchasing Russian oil and gas, including India, are 'propping' up 'Putin's war machine'. The two lawmakers are pushing for the swift passage of the "Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025", which calls for imposing penalties and tariffs as high as 500 per cent on any country aiding Russia economically.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The West lectures us about democracy but wants to bully other countries into submission. Where were these sanctions when Europe was buying Russian gas through back channels? Hypocrisy at its finest!
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Arjun K
While I understand the geopolitical tensions, India should be careful not to alienate Western partners completely. Our IT sector and diaspora have strong ties with US/Europe. Need balanced diplomacy.
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Sarah B
As someone living in India, I'm concerned about these threats. Our economy is still recovering from pandemic shocks. 500% tariffs would be devastating for many industries. Hope our diplomats can negotiate this well.
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Vikram M
The West needs to understand - India will buy oil from whoever gives us the best deal. When they stopped buying from Iran, we found alternatives. If they block Russia, we'll find another way. Our growth comes first!
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Kavya N
Interesting how they single out India, China and Brazil - all BRICS nations. This seems more about containing emerging economies than about Ukraine. The geopolitical chess game continues... ♟️

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