India Tariffs 2025: Trump Doubles Down With 50% Penalty Over Russian Oil Trade, In a dramatic escalation of trade tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order imposing an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports—stacking on top of the already existing 25%, effectively doubling the penalty to a steep 50%. The move comes amid mounting criticism from Washington over India’s continued purchase of discounted Russian crude oil, which Trump officials claim is indirectly fueling Russia’s war effort in Ukraine.
Speaking to reporters, Trump dismissed India’s reported offer of zero tariffs, stating bluntly that “India’s crude oil trade with Russia is the issue.” India, however, remains defiant, asserting its sovereign right to secure energy at competitive prices and protect national interests. Labeling the decision as “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable,” India has formally condemned the new round of tariffs. Trump, undeterred, hinted that more secondary sanctions are on the horizon—and warned that other countries, such as China, may be next. As India Tariffs 2025 take center stage in global trade headlines, the geopolitical heat between New Delhi and Washington is set to intensify.
Also Read: Is Trump’s 25% Tariff on Indian Imports a Bold Catalyst for Stronger Trade Reform?
Trump Hints at China Tariffs While Defending India Penalties
As the India Tariffs 2025 controversy deepens, attention is now turning to China. When pressed on whether similar punitive tariffs would be imposed on Beijing—another major buyer of Russian oil—President Donald Trump replied vaguely, “Could happen. Depends on how we do.” The non-committal stance has sparked backlash, particularly from within his own party. Republican leader Nikki Haley came out in strong defense of India, warning the administration against giving China a free pass. “Don’t give China a pass and burn a relationship with a strong ally like India,” Haley urged, highlighting the stark contrast between the 90-day tariff pause granted to China and the immediate 50% tariff hike slammed on India.
US President Donald Trump said he could announce further tariffs on China similar to the 25% duties announced earlier on India over its purchases of Russian oil, depending on what happens https://t.co/QoWdUEbFTh pic.twitter.com/RM7B7vmqhR
— Reuters (@Reuters) August 7, 2025
Meanwhile, critics at home, including Indian MP Karti Chidambaram, have dismissed Trump’s move as impulsive and politically charged. As debates heat up in Washington and New Delhi, the India Tariffs 2025 issue is no longer just about trade—it’s reshaping diplomatic alliances across the globe.
India Tariffs 2025: Trump Doubles Down on India as Apple Pledges $100B U.S. Investment
In a bold economic move, President Donald Trump has doubled down on his tariff offensive, signing a fresh executive order on Wednesday that slaps an additional 25% tariff on all Indian goods entering the U.S.—bringing the total India-specific trade penalty to a staggering 50%. The escalation is part of Trump’s continued pressure campaign over India’s defense and energy trade with Russia. Amid this aggressive trade posture, Trump also revealed that Apple will invest an additional $100 billion in the U.S., boosting its total domestic commitment to $600 billion over the next four years—a move widely seen as reinforcing his “America First” economic agenda.
New media post from Donald J. Trump
(TS: 06 Aug 18:01 ET) pic.twitter.com/zr1ob6AWMc
— Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) August 6, 2025
However, the White House remained tight-lipped on whether the new round of India Tariffs 2025 would be reversed in the event of a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire. The lack of clarity has left Indian exporters and global markets on edge, as Trump’s tariff diplomacy continues to rattle alliances and reshape trade dynamics.
India Slams Trump’s Tariff Hike as ‘Unfair and Unjustified’
India has issued a strong rebuke to U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest executive order imposing an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods, calling the move “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.” The tariffs, set to take effect on August 27, are expected to severely impact Indian exporters, placing them at a disadvantage compared to regional competitors like Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Indonesia. New Delhi accused the U.S. and EU of “singling out” India over its continued trade with Russia and warned it would take all necessary steps to protect its national interests. As the India Tariffs 2025 dispute escalates, tensions between the two strategic allies continue to deepen.
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