Friday marked yet another day of confusion and uncertainty as actor-turned-politician Vijay’s efforts to form the government hit yet another roadblock, with the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) yet to reach the magic number needed for a majority. As the day came to a close
Bigg Boss Telugu 3's Ashu Reddy posts engagement pictures amid alleged ₹9.35 crore cheating controversyActor and former Bigg Boss contestant Ashu Reddy surprised many when she posted pictures of her engagement ceremony. Take a look. May 9, 2026
Coal India MT Recruitment 2026: Registration for 660 posts begins on May 12 at coalindia.in, details hereCoal India will recruit for Management Trainee posts. The registration process for 660 posts will begin on May 12, 2026. Published on: May 08
An Indian influencer’s candid Instagram video about the high cost of travelling in the United States has triggered a debate online, with many of whom said they could relate to the financial anxiety of spending in dollars while earning in Indian rupees
Bhatia moves closer to Top-10 at Truist as McIlroy chases ImBhatia moves closer to Top-10 at Truist as McIlroy chases Im Updated on: May 09, 2026 9:38 AM IST PTI Share via Copy link Charlotte , Indian-American golfer Akshay Bhatia edged closer to a top-10 placement
US Pushes EU To Target Russian Oil Buyers: Is India Facing Higher Tariffs?
US Pushes EU To Clamp Down On Russian Oil Buyers: Is India Bracing For Rising Trade Pressure?
Washington urges European allies to join sanctions on Russian oil; India may face higher tariffs.
Washington: Signalling renewed pressure on India and other major importers, the United States has called on the European Union (EU) to join it in imposing stricter measures against countries buying oil from Russia.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant on Sunday emphasised that additional sanctions by the EU against Russian oil buyers could cripple Russia's economy.
Speaking to NBC, he said President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance had stressed the importance of coordinated pressure against Russia during discussions with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Add Zee News as a Preferred Source
India is a key country in this list. The United States has already imposed a total 50 percent tariff on Indian imports linked to Russian oil. Bessant's remarks suggest Washington may attempt to raise this pressure further.
“The race is between how long the Ukrainian forces can hold and how long Russia's economy can sustain itself. If the United States and the EU act together, stricter sanctions can be applied to countries buying oil from Russia. Additional tariffs can be imposed. This could completely devastate Russia's economy and force President Putin to come to the negotiating table with President Trump,” he said.
Last week, European Council President Antonio Costa announced that the EU would send a delegation to Washington to discuss stricter measures against Russia. He said the EU was coordinating with the United States and other partners on a unified sanctions approach.
Trump has repeatedly criticised India's purchases of Russian oil. He has imposed 50 percent tariff on Indian imports, describing it as significant, while asserting that he maintains very good personal relations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
From the Treasury and Commerce departments to trade advisors, US officials have consistently singled out India. India has defended its Russian oil imports, calling them necessary for national interests. The country also points out that EU nations remain the top buyers of LNG from Russia, and China purchases more Russian oil than India still faces no comparable tariffs.
Former US diplomat and Treasury adviser Evan Feigenbaum criticised Bessant's call, describing it as inconsistent. He reposted Bessant's remarks on X, stating that two EU members continue buying Russian oil and gas, making immediate enforcement unlikely.
Questions remain over India's trust in the Trump administration. Despite praising Modi as a friend, the US president's statements and actions signal continued economic pressure. Following Modi's visit to the SCO Summit in Tianjin and meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, he posted a photograph of the three leaders, warning that India and Russia could fall under China's influence.
In a state TV interview, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stressed that China, India and Russia cooperate based on mutual interests, though agreement is not universal across all issues.
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told Bloomberg that India may come to the negotiating table within one to two months to discuss compromises with the Trump administration. Despite repeated pressure, the US president insisted that US-India relations are special and that Modi remains a friend.
Analysts see limited room for dramatic improvement in ties. Parmeet Pal Choudhary, head of India practice at Eurasia Group, said, “I do not expect dramatic improvements. Trump will continue to use every tool to ensure his negotiating position prevails.”
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reaffirmed India's stance, telling News18 that the country will continue purchasing Russian oil and will pursue energy deals that serve national interests.
Meanwhile, the EU has already imposed sanctions on India. In July, the EU restricted operations of Vadinar Refinery, owned by Nayara Energy in Gujarat, as part of broader sanctions targeting the Russian energy sector.
Bloomberg reported that Russia's Rosneft had planned to sell its stake in Nayara Energy, but EU restrictions could block that deal.
The combined US and EU measures could place India in a difficult position, balancing energy security and trade relations with Western partners amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Source: ZeeNews
Related Posts: PM Modi Accuses INDI Bloc Leaders Of Insulting People Of Bihar Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton's blistering fifties power Mumbai Indians to 6-wicket win over KKR in IPL A new AI readiness certification for universities and colleges in India Does INDI Alliance Exist Any More Gautam Gambhir Influenced Agarkar To Sack Rohit Sharma Alleges Ex-India Batter BSNL Launches Wi-Fi Calling Service Across All Telecom Circles In India-Detail BCCI CoE hosts red-ball masterclass as Zaheer Khan mentors future India pacers Tim Cook says he is ‘over the moon’ as Apple eyes massive growth in India Why writer Arundhati Roy's cult classic film is still relevant in India Citizens should discharge constitutional duties sincerely to make India leading republic
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has once again stepped in to prop up Pakistan’s fragile economy, approving about $1.2 billion under two ongoing bailout programmes, highlighting the country’s continued dependence on external IMF loans. The approval includes about $1 billion under the
5 hours ago
Watermelon deaths mystery deepens after rat poison bottle is foundA forensic report confirmed zinc phosphide poisoning in the Dokadia family deaths. Published on: May 09, 2026 10:38 AM IST By Vinay Dalvi Share via Copy link A day after a forensic report said that a lethal dose of zinc phosphide
5 hours ago
Back in 2016, a movement began to encourage simple but powerful ideas like “getting real" and “tuning in." These weren’t just slogans; they served as reminders that human beings need to stay connected with their inner rhythm as much as their digital networks.Back in 2016
5 hours ago
Jaspinder Narula recalls heartbreaking moment when Mona found out about Boney Kapoor’s affair with SrideviJaspinder Narula recalled that Mona Shourie Kapoor was devastated when she found out about Boney Kapoor's affair with Sridevi, and broke down outside a studio. May 9, 2026
5 hours ago
India’s AI education strategy is ambitious and unusually comprehensive, reflecting a seriousness of intent that is rare in large public systems. Yet, for all its scale it currently addresses only one side of the problem. In just the past few weeks
5 hours ago
Congress accuses BJP and DMK of obstructing TVK's secular government formation in Tamil Nadu. The party claims the DMK is willing to support AIADMK and prevent other secular parties from aiding TVK, amid reported INDIA bloc divisions and DMK seeking separate seating in Parliament
5 hours ago
As West Bengal prepares for Suvendu Adhikari’s swearing-in as Chief Minister, uncertainty remains over whether Mamata Banerjee will attend the ceremony despite being invited by the BJP. As West Bengal prepares for a historic political transition with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu
5 hours ago
Delhi CEO gives ₹10,000, 3-day break to employees to take parents on vacation to celebrate Mother’s DayThe Delhi CEO who announced paid leave for employees on Mother’s Day previously went viral for giving his team a 9-day Diwali break. Published on: May 09
5 hours ago
As World Cocktail Day on May 13 approaches, it’s the perfect moment to revisit how we celebrate our favourite drinks. With mindful drinking continuing to shape modern lifestyles, cocktails are getting a cleaner, lighter upgrade. The focus is shifting from heavy syrups and sugar-loaded mixers to
5 hours ago
West Bengal's long-standing political clashes with the central government over welfare schemes are set to change. With the BJP now in power in both the state and at the Centre, a new era of administrative integration is expected. Major schemes like Ayushman Bharat and PM-Kisan
5 hours ago
Vijay’s sister Keerthana has expressed happiness amid speculations that the TVK chief is likely to take oath as the next Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu soon. On Friday night, the actor-turned-politician’s sister was spotted by the media outside his Chennai residence when she expressed gratitude
5 hours ago
Luis Suarez might not be done with Uruguay just yet. More than 18 months after stepping away from international football, the legendary striker has revealed he would be open to returning for one final World Cup run if called upon by Uruguay manager Marcelo Bielsa
5 hours ago
Trump suffers devastating $400 million loss. Here's howThe parent company of President Donald Trump's Truth Social, the social media platform, showed a net loss of over $400 million in the first quarter. Published on: May 09, 2026 10:27 AM IST By Shuvrajit Das Biswas Share via Copy link The parent
5 hours ago
As Mother’s Day dawns once again, it's time to recall, cherish and honour the person who brings humanity to life. Millions across the world pause on this day and take a moment to pay tribute to the quiet resilience, the boundless sacrifice, and unconditional love of their progenitor
5 hours ago
The Pentagon has begun releasing new files on UFOs, saying members of the public can draw their own conclusions on “unidentified anomalous phenomena.” Besides the Pentagon, the effort is led by the White House, the Director of National Intelligence, the Energy Department, NASA and the FBI
5 hours ago
Birds of prey in South Africa are in trouble – study analyses data from 16 years of road countsBirds of prey in South Africa are in trouble – study analyses data from 16 years of road counts Published on: May 09, 2026 10:44 AM IST PTI Share via Copy link Cape Town
5 hours ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.MacBook Air M5 gets a big price cut: This Amazon Summer Sale deal makes it even easier to recommendMacBook Air M5, M4 and MacBook Neo are all discounted right now
5 hours ago
Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, who emerged as one of the biggest winners of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections after securing both Nandigram and Bhabanipur, has declared total assets worth Rs 85.87 lakh in his election affidavit. Adkikari is set to take oath as West Bengal Chief Minister
5 hours ago
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) witnessed a sharp contraction in its scale and reach in 2025–26, according to a report on the final operational year of the scheme introduced by the Congress-led UPA era
5 hours ago
Free India elected to protect and uphold the right to religious conscience. These incorporated the freedoms to choose, practice and propagate one’s religious faith. This, after searching and sometimes bitter debates in India’s constituent assembly in the shadow of cataclysmic religious riots
5 hours ago
The West Bengal Board of Secondary Education has announced the West Bengal Madhyamik Result 2026. The overall pass percentage reached 86.83 per cent, and the competition among the toppers was extremely close. The pass rate too has increased from last year when 86
5 hours ago
Police in Lucknow arrested four members of an interstate gang accused of creating and selling fake IPL tickets outside Ekana Cricket Stadium using ChatGPT and graphic design software. According to police, the gang sourced images of original IPL tickets from social media and used CorelDRAW and
5 hours ago
Banking stocks to buy: The Reserve Bank of India’s proposed Expected Credit Loss (ECL) framework could mark one of the biggest structural shifts for the country’s banking sector in recent years, with experts believing the move may separate stronger lenders from weaker ones over time
5 hours ago
An Indian politician once seen as a protege of a long-serving chief minister of West Bengal state is set to replace her. Suvendu Adhikari of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was a close aide of outgoing chief minister Mamata Banerjee until their bitter falling out a few years ago
5 hours ago
Aaron Rai takes lead at Myrtle Beach ClassicAaron Rai takes lead at Myrtle Beach Classic Published on: May 09, 2026 9:48 AM IST PTI Share via Copy link Myrtle Beach , Aaron Rai found four birdies on his second nine in his card of 4-under 67 to take a one-shot lead over Presidents Cup captain Brandt
5 hours ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Before buying a printer, understand these important differences between inkjet and laser printersInkjet and laser printers both have their own strengths
5 hours ago
US senators are set to consider long-awaited legislation that would create a next week, potentially ending a deadlock over the bill that pitted crypto companies against US banks.The bill, dubbed the , would, if signed into law, clarify ' jurisdiction over the burgeoning sector
5 hours ago
![New Delhi [India], May 9 (ANI): Lieutenant Governor of Delhi V K Saxena on Saturday reviewed a presentation by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on a](http://newsorbit360.com/files/news/en/imgs/lg-vk-saxena-reviews-dda-plan-to-restore-77-water-bodies-in-delhi.webp?width=120&height=70)
