Tensions between the United States and India have taken a sharp turn after President Donald Trump announced a fresh 25% tariff on Indian imports. This decision came just hours after failed peace talks between Washington and Moscow over the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The White House confirmed that the new duty will be added to an already existing 25% tariff, making it a total of 50% on certain Indian products.
These changes will come into effect within the next three weeks, as stated in an executive order signed by Trump.
However, some categories such as pharmaceuticals, steel and aluminum are still protected under previous exemptions.
According to a fact sheet from the White House, India’s continued purchase of discounted Russian oil and its resale in global markets at a profit is helping fund Russia’s military operations. The document claimed that this undermines US efforts to pressure Russia.
“By imposing a 25% tariff President Trump aims to deter countries from supporting the Russian Federation’s economy through oil imports and impose serious economic consequences on Russia for its ongoing aggressions.”
White House Statement
“They’re buying Russian oil and fuelling the war machine. If they are going to do that I’m not going to be happy”
Donald Trump, President of the United States
India quickly hit back at the US decision. The Ministry of External Affairs released a statement calling the new tariffs “unfair unjustified and unreasonable”. It said India would take all necessary steps to defend its interests.
“We reiterate that these actions are unfair unjustified and unreasonable”
Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India
The ministry added that India’s oil imports from Russia are based on market needs and the country’s energy security.
“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”
Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India
The statement also pointed out that many other countries are taking similar steps to secure their own energy needs and questioned why India was being singled out.
