Donald Trump has ordered a 25% hike in tariffs on Indian goods, bringing the total to 50%, in retaliation for India’s ongoing purchases of Russian oil. The decision, set to take effect on August 27, has stirred outrage in Delhi.
India’s foreign ministry labeled the move “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable,” saying, “India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests.”
Trump defended the decision, saying India doesn’t “care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine,” and warned, “You’re going to see a lot more, so much secondary sanctions.”
The White House said Russian actions in Ukraine remain a threat to US security and India’s imports “undermine US efforts.”
India now gets over 35% of its oil from Russia. Trump’s new tariffs will hit major sectors like textiles and jewelry. Electronics and pharma remain exempt.
India says it started buying Russian oil after traditional sources shifted to Europe. Industry experts warn these tariffs could slash Indian exports to the US by half.
The Federation of India Export Organizations called the move “extremely shocking.”
