Trump doubles down on India: 50% tariff imposed over Russian oil ties

WASHINGTON (MNTV) — U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods, raising the total duty to a staggering 50%—the highest levied on any U.S. trading partner.

The move, formalized via an executive order, comes in retaliation for India’s continued import of Russian crude oil, which Trump claims indirectly funds Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine.

The White House said the order aims to bolster existing sanctions on Russia under emergency powers. Trump warned similar measures would follow for any country “directly or indirectly” importing Russian oil.

“India has not been a good trading partner,” Trump said in a televised interview. “They continue to buy Russian oil… and we’re going to raise tariffs very substantially.”

This hike follows a prior 25% tariff announced on July 30.

Wednesday’s action adds another 25%, effective 21 days from the date of signing. Goods already in transit before that deadline will be exempt.

The administration insists the action falls under its national security mandate outlined in Executive Orders 14066 and 14024, which prohibit imports of Russian-origin petroleum and authorize penalties on nations circumventing these sanctions.

In the full text of the executive order, Trump accused India of using both direct and indirect channels to source Russian oil, even through third-country intermediaries.

“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,” the order reads.

Trump also blasted what he called India’s “strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary trade barriers,” accusing New Delhi of protectionist practices and unfair competition.

“They have among the highest tariffs in the world,” he said. “We’ve done relatively little business with them because of this.”

The Indian government swiftly rejected the accusations.

In a statement, its Foreign Ministry defended energy imports as a “necessity compelled by global market conditions,” pointing out that many Western nations—including the U.S.—continue to trade with Russia in other sectors.

“This is unjustified and discriminatory,” a senior Indian official told media outlets.

“Our decisions are based on national interest. We are being penalized for what others also do.”

The tariff now places Indian goods at a disadvantageous rate compared to those from China (30%) and Pakistan (29%). Analysts warn the 50% levy could severely impact key Indian exports like textiles, pharmaceuticals, auto parts, and IT services, and trigger retaliatory tariffs.

The order includes provisions for further action should other countries be found engaging in similar oil transactions with Russia. Trump has authorized the Secretaries of State, Treasury, Commerce, and Homeland Security to investigate and recommend additional tariffs globally.

Experts argue the tariff hike risks damaging long-term U.S.-India strategic ties, especially as the two countries collaborate in defense, technology, and regional security in the Indo-Pacific. Business leaders on both sides have urged de-escalation.

“This is not just a trade penalty—it’s a geopolitical message,” said a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. “But the collateral damage could be significant.”

India has yet to announce retaliatory tariffs but is expected to consult with other G20 nations ahead of a potential coordinated response.

The executive order ends by allowing the President to revise the measure based on “additional information, retaliation, or cooperation” from the targeted nation. Observers say the clause leaves room for backchannel negotiations, though Trump has given no public indication of relenting.