Trump Hits India with 50% Tariff Over Russian Oil Trade
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, doubling down on earlier trade penalties.
The decision follows India’s continued purchase of Russian oil and military equipment, which Trump says undermines international efforts to isolate Moscow.
The White House confirmed on Wednesday that Trump signed an executive order adding an extra 25% tariff to existing trade duties, raising the total levy to 50%.
“The Government of India is currently directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil,” the order states. “Articles of India imported into the customs territory of the United States shall be subject to an additional ad valorem rate of duty of 25 percent.”
Trump first announced the initial 25% tariff on July 30, effective August 1. At the time, he criticized India for maintaining high tariffs on U.S. goods and for relying heavily on Russian defense and energy sectors.
“India is our friend, but they’ve always had extremely high tariffs—some of the highest in the world—and very tough trade barriers,” Trump said. “They’re also Russia’s largest buyer of energy, along with China.”
On August 5, during an appearance on CNBC’s Squawk Box, Trump warned of further increases.
“I’m raising the tariff on India substantially over the next 24 hours because they’re buying Russian oil. They’re fueling the war machine. And I’m not going to be happy about that.”
The following day, the executive order was signed, making the 50% tariff official.
India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry responded cautiously, saying it is reviewing the implications.
“India and the U.S. have been engaged in negotiations on concluding a fair, balanced and mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement over the last few months,” the ministry said. “We remain committed to that objective.”
