Trump slaps additional 25% tariffs on India over Russian oil imports

This is reported on the White House website.

Donald Trump imposed an additional 25% tariff on goods imported from India to the United States because of India’s purchase of Russian oil.

The additional tariff will take effect 21 days after the publication of the order, but will not apply to goods that were already en route to the U.S. and will arrive on the market before September 17, 2025.

In the order, Trump states that if India introduces retaliatory measures, he may amend his order. He also warned that he may impose similar tariffs against other countries that directly or indirectly purchase Russian oil.

New Delhi’s response

India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated that the import of Russian oil is based on market factors and is carried out to ensure the country’s energy security.

The ministry also emphasized that the U.S. decision to impose additional tariffs on India is deeply regrettable, noting that many other countries also take actions aligned with their national interests.

“We reiterate that these measures are unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable. India will take all necessary steps to protect its national interests,” the statement said.

Background

On July 30, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the introduction of 25% tariffs against India starting August 1, with a penalty, because India buys oil and weapons from Russia when “everyone wants Russia to stop the killings in Ukraine.”

Later, Reuters reported that Indian state-owned oil refineries stopped buying Russian oil due to reduced discounts and warnings from U.S. President Donald Trump.

Bloomberg later wrote that at least four tankers loaded with Russian oil were idling off India’s west coast, as purchases of this raw material came under scrutiny amid pressure from the U.S. and the European Union.

On August 2, it became known that at least two vessels carrying Russian oil, which were headed to Indian refineries, were redirected to other destinations after new U.S. sanctions.

Soon after, Reuters, citing two sources in the Indian government, wrote that India intends to continue purchasing oil from Russia despite threats from U.S. President Donald Trump to impose sanctions.

The White House Deputy Chief of Staff and one of the most influential advisers to the U.S. President, Stephen Miller, accused India of effectively financing Russia’s war against Ukraine by buying oil from Moscow.

India’s largest oil refining company, Indian Oil Corp (IOC), purchased 7 million barrels of oil for September delivery from the United States, Canada, and the Middle East.

On August 4, Trump announced a significant increase in tariffs for India because the country buys and resells a large amount of Russian oil. In New Delhi, the actions of the United States were called unjustified and unfounded.

In response, India criticized the European Union and the United States, stating that they are unfairly singling it out for purchasing Russian oil, while they themselves trade with Moscow despite the war in Ukraine.

On August 5, media reported that despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to increase tariffs due to the purchase of Russian oil, aides to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Russia this week.