WASHINGTON — President Trump took executive action Wednesday to hammer India with an additional 25% tariff due to its continued purchases of Russian oil.
The move, to take effect Aug. 27, will increase the total US tariff rate on India to 50% and comes ahead of Trump’s Friday deadline for Russia to make peace with Ukraine or else face secondary tariffs or sanctions — penalties on countries that continue purchasing energy from Moscow.
President Trump shakes hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on February 13, 2025. AFP via Getty Images“The actions and policies of the Government of the Russian Federation continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States,” Trump noted in his executive order, which was announced hours after special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian tyrant Vladimir Putin for about three hours on Wednesday.
India is the second-largest importer of Russian energy after China. Trump has singled out India in recent days, but New Delhi has been defiant in the face of his duty threats.
“Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security,” India’s foreign ministry said in a statement earlier this week responding to Trump.
“The targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable.”
Narendra Modi shakes hands with Vladimir Putin in 2021. AFP via Getty ImagesOfficials in India have accused the US of importing uranium and fertilizers from Russia despite ongoing sanctions.
“I don’t know anything about it. I have to check it out,” Trump replied when asked by a reporter about the critique on Tuesday.
The US imported about $2.5 billion in goods from Russia during the first half of 2024, down from $14.14 billion before the war began, per the US Census Bureau and US Bureau of Economic Analysis data.
India has averaged about $130 billion in Russian oil imports per year since the war began, according to an analysis from the New York Times.
An oil pump jack outside Almetyevsk, in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, July 14, 2025. REUTERSTensions between the US and India have strained over recent weeks amid Trump’s pressure campaign on New Delhi to stop buying Russian energy.
During his first term, Trump had a chummy rapport with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was the fourth foreign leader to visit the US after Trump’s second inauguration in January.
Later this month, Modi is set to visit China for the first time in nearly seven years.
India’s friendly ties with Russia date back to the Cold War and Moscow is one of India’s largest arms suppliers.
Recently, Ukraine claimed to have shot down a Russian drone made with parts from India.
