Trump pledges escalation of tariffs on India due to boost in oil trade with Russia
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a significant increase in tariffs that India pays to the United States, in response to India's continued purchases of Russian oil.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump accused India of not caring about people being killed in Ukraine due to the Russian war machine. He stated that India sells a significant portion of the purchased Russian oil on the open market for profit, which is contributing to the conflict.
The tariffs, which are described as being significantly higher, were announced today by President Trump. The additional 25% tariff on imports from India will take effect on August 27, 2025, as a penalty for India's direct or indirect purchase of Russian oil.
This move is part of a broader U.S. strategy to pressure countries helping Russia economically during the conflict. The administration's officials will also monitor other countries importing Russian oil to impose similar measures if necessary.
The increased tariffs have been widely interpreted as a form of coercion by the U.S., disrupting over 25 years of developing U.S.-India relations. It contrasts sharply with how the U.S. treats other countries like China, generating diplomatic tensions.
India views these tariffs as interference in its foreign policy and impractical given its energy needs, particularly given India’s growing oil demand and limited alternatives. The move has also suspended trade negotiations with India and threatened further penalties in response to its participation in the BRICS group (which includes Russia and China), and has discouraged U.S. companies from manufacturing in India, promoting investment in the U.S. instead.
In summary, the increased U.S. tariffs on India arise from the Trump administration’s intent to punish and deter countries continuing to support Russia economically, particularly through oil imports, as part of a broader national security and foreign policy strategy linked to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
- The U.S. tariffs on India, a move aiming to deter economic support for Russia during the conflict, are a part of a broader policy-and-legislation strategy linked to the Russia-Ukraine war.
- The escalating war-and-conflicts between Russia and Ukraine have brought about a rise in politics focused on policy-and-legislation, as evident in the U.S.'s imposition of higher tariffs on countries, such as India, that continue to purchase Russian oil.
