India has strongly condemned the United States’ decision to impose an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports, raising the total levy to 50%.
The move, announced by former U.S. President Donald Trump, is a retaliatory measure against India’s continued oil purchases from Russia.
In a sharply worded statement, the Ministry of External Affairs described the action as “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable,” asserting that India’s energy decisions are guided by market dynamics and the need to ensure energy security for its 1.4 billion citizens.
Trump’s executive order, signed earlier today, accuses India of “profiteering” by reselling Russian oil and indirectly supporting Russia’s war efforts against Ukraine. He warned that any retaliation could lead to further modifications of the order.
India countered by highlighting that several other nations—including the U.S. and EU—also import Russian oil, making the U.S. stance discriminatory. “We will take all necessary steps to protect our national interest,” the statement concluded.
The new tariffs are set to take effect on August 27, potentially escalating trade tensions between the two nations.
