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25% + 25%—Trump Punishes India With High Tariffs for Fueling Russia’s War Machine
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President Donald Trump has raised tariffs on India to 50%, a move that follows his earlier 25% tariff imposition. The additional tariff stems from India’s continued import of Russian oil, which Trump argues is fueling Russia's war machine in Ukraine, President stated in an executive order on August 6.
“I find that the Government of India is currently directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil. Accordingly, and as consistent with applicable law, 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 percent,” Trump wrote in an executive order.
This rate of duty shall be effective 21 days after the date of this order, executive order states.
This statement comes as India's National Security Adviser, Ajit Doval, is visiting Moscow and plans to clarify New Delhi’s strategy on Russian oil imports amid signs that Moscow may offer greater discounts, according to Times of India
The US President had previously announced a 25% tariff on India, also citing the country’s military and energy dealings with Russia. He further emphasized that tariffs could increase substantially, stating, “They’re buying Russian oil, they’re fueling the war machine,” and promised a “very substantial” tariff hike within the next 24 hours on August 5.
This decision marks a significant escalation in Trump’s strategy to penalize countries buying Russian oil in light of Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The new tariffs are among the highest imposed on any US trading partner, sending a clear signal to those engaging in trade with Russia.
In the past, the US Treasury Secretary explained that a proposed legislation would allow President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 500% on countries that continue to buy Russian oil subject to sanctions. He added that such measures could prompt US allies to take similar steps in order to reduce Russia’s energy revenues.
Previously, it was also reported that the US President Donald Trump is aiming to impose sanctions on Russia's so-called shadow fleet of oil tankers unless Moscow agrees to a ceasefire in Ukraine by August 8. The fleet, which has allowed Russia to bypass international price caps on its oil exports, primarily supplies China and India.
