Washington, D.C. — U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order imposing an additional 25 percent tariff on Indian goods, citing New Delhi’s ongoing purchases of Russian oil as a key reason behind the move. The order, released by the White House on Wednesday, is aimed at pressuring India to reduce economic ties with Moscow, particularly those that fund Russia’s war effort in Ukraine.
The new tariff is scheduled to take effect in three weeks and comes in addition to a separate 25 percent duty already set to be enforced starting Thursday. Together, the twin duties signal a sharp escalation in U.S. economic pressure on countries continuing trade relations with Russia.
The executive order also includes language that could open the door to further penalties against other nations deemed to be “directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil,” suggesting the U.S. may broaden its crackdown on global energy flows that help sustain Russia’s wartime economy.
While Indian officials have not yet issued a formal response, the move is expected to heighten tensions between Washington and New Delhi at a time when both countries have been navigating a complex strategic relationship — one that includes growing defense cooperation but also diverging interests on Russia.
The United States has repeatedly warned that ongoing purchases of discounted Russian crude undercut Western sanctions and prolong the war in Ukraine. India, however, has maintained that its energy imports are driven by national interest and do not violate international laws.
With the new tariffs, Trump appears determined to raise the stakes. The order marks one of the most forceful U.S. actions to date targeting India’s oil trade with Russia, and comes amid growing calls from Republican lawmakers for a tougher stance on sanctions enforcement.
Leave a comment