US Vice President JD Vance claimed that the decision by President Donald Trump to impose 50 per cent tariffs on Indian imports was aimed at building "aggressive economic leverage" to compel Russia to halt its attacks on Ukraine.

"Trump has used strong economic pressure, for instance, the secondary tariffs against India, to attempt to make it more difficult for the Russians to become wealthy from their oil economy," Vance said in an interview with NBC News' Meet the Press.

Despite challenges after Trump's recent summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Vance was optimistic that the United States could play a role in bringing the war to an end.

"We think we've already witnessed some substantial concessions by both sides, just in recent weeks," he said.

"He (Trump) attempted to make it clear that Russia would be welcomed back into the world economy if they will cease the killing. But they're going to remain isolated if they don't cease the killing," he added.

Speaking of hope for America's capacity to help facilitate peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, Vance stated, "We believe we've already seen some significant concessions from both sides, just in the last few weeks."

Washington-New Delhi relations have come under strain following the Trump administration's move against India's purchase of cheap Russian oil.

The US has held back from condemning China and Europe, which are the biggest purchasers of Russian oil and gas.

Last week, Trump announced that Washington would raise tariffs on Indian imports to 50 per cent with a further 25 per cent duty levied as "punishment" for India's energy commerce with Moscow.

Washington has contended that India's Russian oil imports are financing Moscow's war against Ukraine, a position India has negated. New Delhi has asserted that it is driven by national interest and market forces when it comes to its energy policy.