Trump’s 50% Tariff On India Over Russian Oil Deal Sparks Diplomatic Standoff

Trump’s 50% Tariff on India Over Russian Oil

Washington/New Delhi: US President Donald Trump on Monday claimed that American tariffs on Indian goods linked to Russian oil imports had dealt a “big blow” to Moscow. Speaking at a White House briefing, Trump said no US leader had been “so tough” on the issue and warned, “It doesn’t help when the president of the United States tells their largest or second-largest oil buyer that we’re putting a 50% tariff on you if you buy oil from Russia.”

The statement comes just days before Trump is set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday. According to Trump, Russia has been “heavily impacted” by global pressure, including US trade actions against multiple countries.

A “Stress Test” for India-US Ties

Michael Rubin, a former Pentagon official and Middle East analyst, told ANI that tensions over Russian oil were not entirely harmful. He described the friction as a “stress test” that might eventually strengthen bilateral relations. Rubin praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for defending India’s oil purchases from Russia, calling it a vital step to protect the country’s economic security and strategic interests.

“PM Modi standing up for India’s rights will be remembered as the moment the US learnt it cannot push India around. Once this episode passes, relations will improve significantly,” Rubin said.

Tariffs to Take Effect on August 27

Last week, the White House announced an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports, raising the total to 50%. Trump said the decision was a direct response to India’s continued oil trade with Moscow. The new rates will take effect on August 27.

However, New Delhi remains firm. Dismissing what it calls a “reckless tariff tirade,” India has accused Washington of “double standards” — pointing out that the US itself continues to import certain Russian goods, including chemicals and fertilisers.

US Imports from Russia Spark Questions

On August 6, Trump claimed he had “no knowledge” of ongoing US imports from Russia. This followed India’s allegation that the US was still buying Russian uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear sector, along with other products.

A day later, a senior US official confirmed that Russian chemical imports were indeed entering the American market but insisted that the volumes were modest compared to India’s purchases. The official went further, accusing India of “intentionally taking advantage” of the Ukraine war.

India’s Strong Response

Following the tariff announcement, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the US move as “extremely unfortunate.” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated:

“India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests.”

New Delhi has also labelled the tariffs as “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable,” making it clear that it will continue to safeguard its economic and strategic autonomy despite mounting US pressure.

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