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The total US levies on Indian imports have risen to about 50%, which is the highest tariff imposed on any Asian trading partner by the Trump administration, CNBC reported

US President Donald Trump announced a fresh 25% tariff on Indian goods, citing New Delhi’s ongoing purchase of Russian oil. The move, detailed in an executive order published on the White House website, noted that India is “currently directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil," prompting the United States to deem it “necessary and appropriate" to impose the punitive duty.

The total US levies on Indian imports have risen to about 50%, which is the highest tariff imposed on any Asian trading partner by the Trump administration, CNBC reported.

The newly imposed tariff, directly tied to India’s energy relationship with Russia, will take effect 21 days from the date of the order. Meanwhile, a previously declared 25% tariff, aimed at narrowing the US trade deficit with India, is scheduled to come into force on August 7.

“I have received additional information from various senior officials on, among other things, the actions of the Government of the Russian Federation with respect to the situation in Ukraine," the order reads, offering justification for the new duties under national emergency provisions related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Among the BRICS nations—which Trump criticised for “anti-US" policies—India’s neighbour China currently faces 30% US tariffs, while Brazil is subject to 50% and South Africa to 30%. Besides India, countries such as Cambodia (49%), Vietnam (46%), Sri Lanka (45%), Madagascar (44%), Myanmar and Laos (41% each), Syria (41%), Switzerland (39%), and Iraq and Serbia (35%) face even higher US tariffs.

Earlier on July 30, Trump announced that a 25% tariff would be imposed on Indian imports starting August 1, along with an additional unspecified penalty.

Trump has been attacking India over the sale and purchase of oil from Russia, which has been at war with Ukraine since 2022.

How India Reacted To Trump’s Allegations 

Amid the US President’s allegations that India is fueling Russia’s war machine, the Ministry of External Affairs said targeting of New Delhi is “unjustified" and “unreasonable", emphasising that India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.

The MEA said India began importing from Russia because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the conflict, a move that was encouraged by the US to strengthen global energy market stability.

Calling out the West’s hypocrisy, the MEA said nations criticising India are themselves indulging in trade with Russia. “Unlike our case, such trade is not even a vital national compulsion," read the statement.

The MEA highlighted Europe-Russia trade includes not just energy, but also fertilisers, mining products, chemicals, iron and steel and machinery and transport equipment.

The MEA also said the United States continues to import from Russia uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, palladium for its EV industry, fertilisers, as well as chemicals.

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Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published:

August 06, 2025, 19:30 IST

News world Donald Trump Doubles Tariffs On India To 50% Over Russian Oil Purchase

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