Washington D.C., August 6, 2025 – U.S. President Donald Trump has issued an executive order imposing a 25% additional tariff on Indian imports, in response to India’s continued purchase of oil from Russia. The move is expected to bring the total tariff on Indian goods entering the U.S. to 50%, according to a report by the BBC.
The decision, signed on Wednesday, marks a significant escalation in Washington’s pressure campaign against countries maintaining strong economic ties with Moscow amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
“India doesn’t care how many people are being killed in Ukraine by the Russian War Machine,” President Trump said in a statement earlier this week, reiterating his dissatisfaction with India’s energy dealings with Russia.
Effective Date and Details
According to the executive order, the new tariffs will take effect 21 days after the date of the order and apply to:
“…goods entered for consumption or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption on or after 12:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time.”
The White House has not clarified whether exceptions or exemptions will be considered for critical goods, though sources suggest further restrictions may follow if India does not reduce its energy imports from Russia.
Strategic and Economic Impact
The move is likely to strain the economic and diplomatic relationship between the United States and India, which has been marked by growing defense cooperation and joint efforts in Indo-Pacific security in recent years.
Analysts warn the tariff increase could trigger retaliatory measures from New Delhi and could affect global supply chains across sectors such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, and technology components.
India has not issued an official response yet, but trade ministry officials reportedly expressed “deep concern” over the decision and are expected to consult with U.S. counterparts.
