US President Donald Trump was on Wednesday (local time) asked by a reporter why India was specifically targeted for new tariff measures, despite several countries continuing to import Russian oil. Addressing the media, Trump stated, “It’s only been eight hours. So let’s see what happens. You’re going to see a lot more. You’re going to see so many secondary sanctions.”Trump’s remarks came after he doubled the tariff on India by adding an additional 25 per cent, bringing the total to 50 per cent.When asked whether China could face similar penalties for its trade in Russian oil, Trump hinted that such action is under consideration. “It may happen. I don’t know, I can’t tell you yet. But we did it with India. We are doing it probably with a couple of others, one of them could be China.”
US imposed additional tariffs on India
Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday announcing that India will face an extra 25% tariff over and above the 25% rate announced last week. While the 25% rate is effective from August 7, 2025, the newly announced additional tariff will come into place 21 days from now.Also read | Donald Trump Tariffs News Live UpdatesFollowing this directive, Indian imports to the US, except for a limited exclusion list, will face a combined tariff of 50%.“The ad valorem duty imposed…shall be in addition to any other duties, fees, taxes, exactions, and charges applicable to such imports…,” the order said.“I find that the Government of India is currently directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil. Accordingly, and as consistent with applicable law, 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,” it said.
India calls tariff increase ‘3Us- Unfair, unjustified and unreasonable’
India’s response was swift and firm, with the ministry of external affairs denouncing the tariff increase as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.” The ministry emphasised that India’s Russian oil imports are driven by market considerations and energy security requirements for its 1.4 billion population.The MEA statement further asserted India’s commitment to protecting its national interests, describing the US decision as detrimental to their strategic partnership and mutual respect principles.“The United States has in recent days targeted India’s oil imports from Russia. We have already made clear our position on these issues, including the fact that our imports are based on market factors and done with the overall objective of ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people of India. It is therefore extremely unfortunate that the US should choose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest. We reiterate that these actions are unfair, unjustified and unreasonable. India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests,” the MEA said.Also read | ‘It’s definitely a blow’: Shashi Tharoor reacts to Trump’s 50% tariff on India; asserts it’s not a ‘good news’
