Trump Doubles Down, Hikes Tariffs On India To 50% Over Russian Oil Deals
Escalating the trade conflict with one of its key allies, US President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order imposing an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods, bringing the total levy to a staggering 50%. The move, which makes Indian imports subject to the highest tariffs imposed on any Asian trading partner by the Trump administration, is a direct retaliation for New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian crude oil.
The new tariffs are set to take effect on August 27. In the executive order, Trump stated, “I find that the Government of India is currently directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil.” This action follows a 25% tariff announced just last month and fulfills the President’s recent threats to punish India for what he has termed “fueling the war machine” in Ukraine.
The 50% tariff rate now places India on par with Brazil, while other BRICS nations like China and South Africa face 30% US tariffs.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has vehemently pushed back against the American measures, calling the targeting of New Delhi “unjustified and unreasonable.” The ministry argued that India only increased its reliance on Russian oil after traditional supply lines were diverted to Europe following the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict, a move it claims was initially encouraged by Washington to ensure global energy market stability.
In a sharp counter, the MEA highlighted the West’s own continued and substantial trade with Moscow, pointing out that the US still imports Russian uranium hexafluoride and palladium, while the EU engages in extensive trade across various sectors. “Unlike our case, such trade is not even a vital national compulsion,” the MEA statement read, asserting that India will take all necessary steps to protect its economic security.
