Trump imposes tariffs on oil imports from India sourced from Russia
In a significant move, the Trump administration has imposed a 25% additional tariff on imports from India, effective August 27, 2025. This tariff is part of broader U.S. sanctions measures aimed at economically pressuring Russia by targeting countries that support its oil exports [1][2][3].
The tariff is a result of President Donald Trump's executive action and is related to India's ongoing purchases of Russian oil. The U.S. Department of Commerce, in coordination with the State Department, Treasury, and other agencies, will oversee the enforcement of this order and determine if other countries are importing Russian oil [2][3].
India, however, has resisted U.S. pressure. Despite the tariff threat, India continues to import about 40% of its oil from Russia, roughly 1.7 to 2 million barrels per day, at heavily discounted prices. India's strong military and diplomatic ties with Russia, along with energy demands and limited storage capacity, make it difficult for India to immediately replace Russian crude [4].
Key Indian refiners like Reliance Industries remain major buyers of Russian oil, prepared to absorb lower profits rather than cut off supply abruptly. The Ministry of External Affairs of India stated that purchases of Russian oil are necessary to ensure energy stability and predictable prices [4].
The statement from the Ministry of External Affairs notes that both the U.S. and the EU continue to actively trade with Russia, including supplies of uranium, palladium, LNG, and other products [4]. No direct data on other countries subject to similar tariffs was found in the results, but U.S. officials are actively monitoring and assessing further sanctions against others importing Russian oil.
The White House issued a statement regarding the tariff order on India, but no further comments were provided at the time of writing [1]. The Trump administration is considering expanding tariffs on countries importing Russian oil beyond India [1]. If necessary, the U.S. Department of Commerce, in coordination with the stated departments, will propose similar tariffs on other countries importing Russian oil [2][3].
In a sharp response to Trump's accusations about reselling Russian oil at a profit, India called them unfounded and unfair [1]. This tariff order on India is a result of President Donald Trump's executive action and is part of broader U.S. sanctions measures under Executive Orders, including EO 14066 and EO 14326, citing national security and foreign policy threats posed by Russia’s actions related to the Ukraine conflict [2][3].
References:
[1] Associated Press. (2025, August 1). U.S. imposes tariffs on India over Russian oil imports. Retrieved from https://www.apnews.com/article/business-donald-trump-india-russia-oil-tariffs-817b681a9a9d38562744c12f6966c352
[2] The White House. (2025, July 1). Executive Order on Strengthening America's Energy Security in the Face of Russian Aggression. Retrieved from https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2025/07/01/executive-order-on-strengthening-americas-energy-security-in-the-face-of-russian-aggression/
[3] U.S. Department of Commerce. (2025, August 1). Fact Sheet: Strengthening America's Energy Security in the Face of Russian Aggression. Retrieved from https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2025/08/fact-sheet-strengthening-americas-energy-security-face-russian-aggression
[4] Reuters. (2025, August 2). India to keep buying Russian oil despite U.S. tariff threat. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/india-keep-buying-russian-oil-despite-us-tariff-threat-2025-08-02/
The tariff on imports from India, enacted by President Donald Trump, is a part of broader U.S. sanctions targeting countries supporting Russian oil exports. Despite this, the U.S. Department of Commerce is monitoring and assessing further sanctions against other countries importing Russian oil.
The tariff order on India is a result of President Trump's executive actions under EO 14066 and EO 14326, citing national security and foreign policy threats posed by Russia’s actions related to the Ukraine conflict.
