Trump to officially increase tariffs on India to 50%
U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order imposing an additional 25% tariff on India over its continued purchases of Russian oil.
The move raises the total tariff rate on Indian goods entering the U.S. to 50%, making it one of the highest import duties currently enforced by Washington.
According to the executive order, the new tariffs will go into effect in 21 days, on August 27.
In a response issued Wednesday, India’s Ministry of External Affairs reiterated its stance on importing Russian oil, calling the new U.S. tariff “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.”
“It is therefore extremely unfortunate that the U.S. should choose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest,” the statement read.
“India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests,” it added.
President Trump had previously threatened to raise tariffs, accusing India of indifference toward the situation in Ukraine, stating that India doesn’t “care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine.”
In a statement released Wednesday, the White House declared that “the Russian Federation’s actions in Ukraine pose an ongoing threat to U.S. national security and foreign policy, necessitating stronger measures to address the national emergency.”
The administration emphasized that India’s continued purchases of Russian crude weaken U.S.-led efforts to isolate Moscow economically over its invasion of Ukraine. It also noted that other nations importing Russian oil are under review, with “further actions to be recommended to the President as needed.”
Oil and gas remain Russia’s largest exports, with India, China, and Turkey among its top buyers.
The new tariffs mark a significant downturn in relations between Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with trade ties hitting a new low.
The 50% tariff would impact major Indian exports including textiles, gems and jewellery, auto components, and seafood—industries that support millions of jobs.
Electronics and pharmaceutical products, including iPhones and generics, are currently exempt from the new duties.
India has previously criticized the U.S. stance, noting that Washington initially encouraged Indian purchases of Russian energy in the early days of the conflict to help stabilize global markets.
A spokesperson for India’s foreign ministry said New Delhi turned to Russian supplies only after traditional energy sources were diverted to Europe following the outbreak of the war.