Trump Doubles Tariffs on Indian Imports, Threatens Secondary Sanctions Over Russian Oil Ties.
In a dramatic escalation of trade tensions, US President Donald Trump has imposed a 50% tariff on Indian imports and warned of further “secondary sanctions” over India’s continued oil trade with Russia. Hours after the White House announced an additional 25% tariff—bringing the total to 50%—Trump told reporters, “It’s only been eight hours. So, let’s see what happens,” when asked why India was being targeted while others like China also buy Russian oil. “You’re going to see a lot more. You’re going to see so many secondary sanctions,” he added.
The statement signals Washington’s growing impatience with New Delhi’s refusal to cut economic ties with Moscow amid the ongoing Ukraine war.
India Condemns ‘Unfair and Unjustified’ Move
India strongly criticized the move, calling the tariff hike “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.” “The United States has recently targeted India’s energy imports from Russia. We have already made clear our position—our decisions are based on market realities and the energy security of 1.4 billion citizens,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.
The ministry also asserted that India will take “all necessary steps” to protect its national interests, warning that the move undermines the principles of mutual respect and strategic partnership. India has consistently defended its oil deals with Russia, pointing to competitive pricing and long-term security as key considerations.
New Tariff to Take Effect August 27
The new 50% tariff rate, formalized via executive order, will come into effect on August 27—21 days after signing. The White House has not yet clarified which specific goods will be impacted, but the move marks a sharp departure from previous bilateral trade understandings.
Asked whether the tariffs could be lifted in the event of a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, Trump responded, “We will determine that later.”
China May Be Next
President Trump also hinted that China could soon face similar punitive measures. “Could happen,” he said when asked about sanctions on China. “We did it with India. We are doing it probably with a couple of others. One of them could be China.”
The comments come just ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s expected visit to Beijing—his first in seven years—as India attempts to navigate growing distance with Washington while maintaining strategic autonomy. With rising friction on multiple fronts, New Delhi now faces increasing pressure from Washington to make a decisive pivot on its Russia policy—or brace for further economic fallout.
Comments are closed.