Washington: US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order imposing an additional 25 percent tariff on Indian goods.
“I find that the Government of India is currently directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil….articles of India imported into the customs territory of the United States shall be subject to an additional ad valorem rate of duty of 25 per cent,” said the executive order.
The Trump administration has already enforced a 25 percent tariff on Indian goods, along with additional penalties, citing India’s persistent oil imports from Russia and long-standing trade barriers. This initial round took effect on August 1. Now, with a fresh 25 percent hike announced, the total tariff burden rises to 50 percent, set to come into force 21 days from now — on August 27.
The US President said on Wednesday that he may further modify the order if Russia or India take significant steps to align sufficiently with the US on national security, foreign policy, and economic matters.
The decision follows India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, which Washington views as undermining its sanctions regime against Moscow.
Soon after the announcement, Congress took to X, targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and wrote, “Trump’s friend Narendra Modi has imposed a 50% tariff on India. Trump is continuously taking steps against India, but Narendra Modi doesn’t even mention his name. Narendra Modi — show some courage, respond to Trump.”
The opposition has accused the Prime Minister of remaining silent in the face of repeated provocations, urging a stronger diplomatic stance.
Trump on Tuesday warned of a steep hike in tariffs on Indian goods within 24 hours, citing New Delhi’s ongoing imports of Russian oil and what he described as “obnoxious” trade barriers hampering American businesses.