Trump Announces Increase in Tariffs on Energy Collaborator Russia's Nation, India
In a series of posts on his Truth Social platform, former US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose higher tariffs on India, citing the country's ongoing purchases and resale of Russian oil.
The threat comes amidst global calls for Russia to stop the killing in Ukraine, as the conflict continues to disrupt a potential ceasefire. Trump did not specify the exact amount of the increased tariffs he plans to impose, but the move is intended to discourage India from purchasing Russian energy and military equipment.
The tariffs are part of a broader US policy to sanction countries importing Russian oil, and may signal potential further tariffs on other countries engaging similarly, subject to determinations by US cabinet officials.
The current tariffs the United States imposes on India include a base tariff rate increased up to 50%, as part of broader 2025 U.S. tariff policies impacting imports from India. On top of these existing tariffs, an additional 25% tariff was imposed by a new executive order, effective August 27, 2025, specifically in response to India’s continued imports of Russian Federation oil.
India is one of the largest buyers of Russian energy, and the tariff is applied to Indian imports, excluding items in Annex II of the executive order. The tariff is in addition to all other existing duties and tariffs applicable to Indian imports, except certain goods listed in specific exemptions.
Trump's threat is in the context of Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine, and he has spoken of at least 25 percent tariffs on Indian goods. He has also accused India of not caring about the people being killed in Ukraine due to Russia's war.
The imposition of tariffs on India is expected to strain U.S.-India relations, especially in the context of ongoing trade negotiations and strategic partnerships. The tariffs and potential penalty are intended to further weaken the economic base of the Kremlin by putting pressure on major energy sector buyers like China and India.
If the deadline set by Trump passes without a ceasefire, he plans to impose sanctions on Russia's trading partners. It remains to be seen how India will respond to these threats and whether a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine can be achieved.
References: 1. U.S. Tariffs on India: An Overview 2. Executive Order 14257: Addressing the National Emergency with Respect to the Continued Energy Supply Crisis 3. India's Oil Imports from Russia: A Growing Trend 4. US-India Relations Strained by Tariffs and Trade Disputes
- The tariffs Trump plans to impose on India are part of a broader US policy targeting countries importing Russian oil, in response to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
- Trump has suggested at least 25% tariffs on Indian goods, claiming India does not care about the people being killed in Ukraine due to Russia's actions.
- The tariffs on India could strain U.S.-India relations, particularly in the context of ongoing trade negotiations and strategic partnerships.
- If a ceasefire is not reached by the deadline, Trump threatens to impose sanctions on Russia's trading partners, potentially putting more pressure on major energy sector buyers like China and India.
