WASHINGTON: In a sharp escalation of trade tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports, citing India's ongoing oil trade with Russia as the main trigger. The new duty, set to be enforced in three weeks, is in addition to a separate 25% tariff scheduled to take effect Thursday, as per the executive order issued by the White House.
The move is part of Washington's efforts to choke off revenue sources that fund Russia’s war in Ukraine. The executive order also warns of similar penalties on other nations found to be "directly or indirectly" purchasing Russian oil, signaling broader economic pressure on countries maintaining energy ties with Moscow.
Some categories remain exempt from the new tariffs, including those already affected by existing duties—such as steel, aluminum, and potentially pharmaceuticals.
Trump has intensified diplomatic and economic pressure on India, especially after hinting at renewed sanctions on Russia if no progress is made toward a ceasefire deal with Ukraine by Friday. Russia’s prolonged invasion of its western-aligned neighbor has led to increasing calls from Washington for global allies to cut financial support.
Coinciding with these developments, India’s National Security Adviser visited Moscow on Wednesday, while U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff was in India—highlighting parallel diplomacy. India’s Foreign Ministry responded strongly, calling the U.S. pressure “unreasonable and unjustified,” and vowed to defend its national interests.
