New tariffs spark diplomatic tension between the US and India amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
**Trump Imposes 25% Tariff on India for Russian Oil Purchases**
**Trump Imposes 25% Tariff on India for Russian Oil Purchases**
US President enacts steep tariffs as tensions with Russia escalate.
In a significant escalation of trade tensions, US President Donald Trump has announced the implementation of an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports, specifically targeting oil purchased from Russia. This executive order issued on Wednesday now raises the overall tariff on Indian goods entering the United States to an unprecedented 50%, positioning it among the highest trade barriers enacted by the US government.
The executive order states that this tariff will take effect for goods consumed or withdrawn from warehouse after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, 21 days following the announcement. Trump has voiced strong criticism regarding India’s ongoing purchases from Russia, claiming that India "doesn't care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine," underscoring the dramatic nature of the decision.
According to a White House statement, the actions taken by the Russian Federation in Ukraine represent a serious threat to US national security and foreign policy. The administration frames this tariff as a necessary measure to counteract Russia’s aggression and protest India’s contributions to the Russian economy through oil imports, which they assert enables further military actions in Ukraine.
The tariff announcement coincides with recent discussions by Trump's chief envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow, aimed at finding peaceful resolutions to the conflict. In reaction, the Indian government has labeled the tariff increase as "unjustified and unreasonable."
India's foreign ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, highlighted that the US had previously encouraged India to procure Russian gas to stabilize global energy markets after traditional energy supplies were redirected to Europe following the onset of hostilities. The Indian administration criticized the US for its tariffs while simultaneously engaging in trade with Russia, pointing out that America conducted approximately $3.5 billion worth of trade with Russia in the previous year despite existing sanctions.
India has emphasized its commitment to protecting its own interests and economic security, affirming that it will respond autonomously to safeguard its national agenda amidst the evolving geopolitical landscape.
The executive order states that this tariff will take effect for goods consumed or withdrawn from warehouse after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, 21 days following the announcement. Trump has voiced strong criticism regarding India’s ongoing purchases from Russia, claiming that India "doesn't care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine," underscoring the dramatic nature of the decision.
According to a White House statement, the actions taken by the Russian Federation in Ukraine represent a serious threat to US national security and foreign policy. The administration frames this tariff as a necessary measure to counteract Russia’s aggression and protest India’s contributions to the Russian economy through oil imports, which they assert enables further military actions in Ukraine.
The tariff announcement coincides with recent discussions by Trump's chief envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow, aimed at finding peaceful resolutions to the conflict. In reaction, the Indian government has labeled the tariff increase as "unjustified and unreasonable."
India's foreign ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, highlighted that the US had previously encouraged India to procure Russian gas to stabilize global energy markets after traditional energy supplies were redirected to Europe following the onset of hostilities. The Indian administration criticized the US for its tariffs while simultaneously engaging in trade with Russia, pointing out that America conducted approximately $3.5 billion worth of trade with Russia in the previous year despite existing sanctions.
India has emphasized its commitment to protecting its own interests and economic security, affirming that it will respond autonomously to safeguard its national agenda amidst the evolving geopolitical landscape.
