India Responds to Donald Trump's Recent Tariff Threat Disclosed on DNA TV Show
In a significant development, the growing tension between the United States and India centers on India's continued importation of Russian oil, a move that the US views as undermining sanctions and economic pressure on Russia amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
The US, under President Trump’s administration in 2025, responded by imposing secondary tariffs of 25% on Indian imports as a punitive measure to pressure India to cease buying Russian oil. This trade escalation represents a novel enforcement tactic by the Trump Administration to support US sanctions policy through trade measures.
President Trump issued an Executive Order on August 6, 2025, targeting countries like India that engage directly or indirectly in the importation of Russian-origin crude oil. The US perceives India’s subsequent sales of Russian oil on the international market as further supporting Russia’s economy.
India began importing from Russia due to traditional supplies being diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the conflict. However, the US threatens further tariffs if India and other countries continue their trade with Russia after a specified deadline.
India's statement claims it has been targeted by the US and EU over its purchase of Russian oil. In response, the Indian government has issued a statement, but no specific response regarding the penalty for buying Russian oil and military equipment has been made public.
President Trump has accused India of buying oil in large quantities from Russia and selling it in the international market for its own benefit. He has also claimed that India does not care about the destruction Russia is causing in Ukraine with the money from oil sales. Trump's tariff threat is aimed at India's friendship with Russia.
Before Trump, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller made a similar statement, accusing India and China of jointly buying oil from Russia. Stephen Miller stated that President Trump has made it clear that by buying oil from Russia, India is financing the war in Ukraine, which is not acceptable to the US.
However, neither Trump's tariff threat nor the Trump administration's false narrative has had any effect on India, as per recent reports. It is unclear at this time whether there have been any changes in India's stance towards Russia or the US, or any impact of the tariff threat on India's economy or trade relations.
The US, on the other hand, encourages such imports by India for strengthening global energy markets stability. The United States has already slapped a 25% duty on all Indian goods, and Trump has threatened to 'substantially' raise US tariffs on Indian goods.
This escalating tension between the US and India over Russian oil imports is likely to have far-reaching implications for global energy markets and geopolitical relations. It is a complex issue that requires careful diplomatic navigation to ensure a peaceful resolution.
- In contrast to the US's policy-and-legislation perspectives, India continues to import Russian oil, a move that has garnered criticism from Bollywood celebrities and general-news commentators within India, who argue that India's friendship with Russia should not be compromised due to global politics.
- Despite the escalating trade tension and secondary tariffs imposed by the US on Indian imports, India's cricket team has decided to uphold its scheduled tour to the United States, maintaining the bilateral sports relations between the two nations.
- As the global news outlets discuss the ongoing standoff between the US and India over Russian oil imports, Indian politicians have called for a comprehensive energy policy that considers domestic production and strategic partnerships in order to reduce the country's dependence on foreign oil.
