President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff on India’s oil imports from Russia, signaling a wave of secondary sanctions targeting New Delhi. “India is very close to China in terms of Russian oil purchases,” Trump said in the Oval Office on Wednesday, flanked by Apple CEO Tim Cook, Vice President J.D. Vance, and top officials.
The new 25% tariff, added to a previous 25% levy effective August 7, brings India’s total tariff to 50%, among the highest imposed by the U.S. The additional duty, enacted via an executive order titled “Addressing Threats to the US by the Government of the Russian Federation,” takes effect August 27. Trump hinted at further sanctions, stating, “You are going to see so much secondary sanctions.”
India, which imports 88% of its crude oil, has become Russia’s largest oil buyer, with 1.6 million barrels daily out of 5 million imported in July. Russian oil, discounted after Western sanctions post-Ukraine invasion, now dominates India’s supply, up from just 0.2% before 2021. The U.S. singled out India with this penalty, while China faces a 30% tariff and Turkiye 15%.
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When asked why India was targeted, Trump said, “It’s only been eight hours, let’s see what happens.” He left open the possibility of tariffs on China, noting, “Could happen, depends on how we do.” India’s Ministry of External Affairs called the tariffs “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable,” emphasizing that its oil imports prioritize energy security for 1.4 billion people. “India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests,” the ministry added.
The tariffs coincide with Apple’s $600 billion U.S. investment pledge, announced at the same event, and Trump’s separate 100% tariff on imported computer chips, which exempts U.S.-based manufacturers. India now faces the highest oil tariff alongside Brazil (50%), while competitors like China (30%), Myanmar (40%), and others enjoy lower rates, potentially reshaping U.S. market dynamics.
As a U.S. team prepares for trade talks in India on August 25, the tariffs threaten to strain bilateral relations. Trump’s aggressive trade policy aims to curb Russian oil imports but risks escalating tensions with key global partners.
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