Trump Doubles Down: 50% Tariff Slapped on Indian Imports Over Russian Oil

US President Donald Trump declared an extra 25% levy on Indian imports in August 2025, thereby doubling the overall tax burden from 25% to 50%. This punitive action is a straight result of India's continuing purchase of Russian oil, which the US government views as an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to its national security and foreign policy. According to Trump, these tariffs are intended to discourage countries from financially backing Russia's ongoing conflict efforts. Though some industries, including pharmaceuticals and electronic,s are exempt, the new 25% tariff will take effect 21 days following the order's signature. It builds on the current 25% rate.

India has strongly condemned these extra tariffs as "unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable," and has stated that it would take suitable measures to protect its national interests. Indian authorities stress the essential need of protecting their energy security and point out a claimed inequality in treatment vis-à-vis other countries, notably China, given a 90-day moratorium even though it also imported Russian oil. This action considerably heightens commercial tensions between India and the United States, which could affect their reciprocal trade in important industries including textiles, machinery, and pharmaceuticals. Indian politicians and diplomats have harshly criticized, cautioning of possible retaliatory actions.

Basically, Trump's recent tariff increase aims particularly India's trade ties with Russia as concerns oil. Beginning in late August 2025, this will almost double the tariff burden to 50% on a broad range of Indian exports into the US. This growth highlights the complexity resulting from political alignments and their effects on world trade patterns and marks a turning point in US-India ties