U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a sharp increase in tariffs on Indian goods, raising the rate to 50%, citing India's continued oil imports from Russia as the key reason behind the decision.
Speaking on Wednesday, Trump stated that an additional 25% tariff has been imposed on Indian exports to the United States. This brings the total tariff level to 50%, marking a significant escalation in trade pressure from Washington.
“India continues to purchase oil from Russia despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine,” Trump said. “As a consequence, Indian products will now face even higher duties.”
Just a day prior, the former president criticized India’s trade practices, calling the country an unreliable partner. “India is not a great trade ally. They do a lot of business with us, but we don’t benefit equally. We had already imposed a 25% tariff, and within 24 hours that will increase,” he warned on Tuesday.
Trump further accused India of indirectly supporting Russia in its war against Ukraine by maintaining strong energy and defense ties with Moscow. “India doesn’t seem to care about the deaths in Ukraine. That’s why we’re taking a tougher stance,” he said.
Last week, Trump also took to his social media platform to express frustration with India’s high import duties and its continued reliance on Russian military equipment and energy. He emphasized that India and China remain the largest buyers of Russian energy, and that such support undermines global efforts to pressure Moscow.
The new tariff rates are set to take effect from August 1, and could strain already sensitive trade relations between the two countries.