Washington, August 4, 2025: U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday announced plans to significantly increase tariffs on Indian goods, citing India’s continued purchase and resale of Russian oil amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
“India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian oil, they are then, for much of the oil purchased, selling it on the open market for big profits,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
“They don’t care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian war machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the tariff paid by India to the USA.”
Trump did not provide details on the scale or categories of tariffs to be imposed.
India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The announcement follows Trump’s remarks last week, where he proposed a 25% tariff on imports from India and hinted at additional penalties, though specifics remain unclear.
Despite growing pressure, Indian officials say the country’s energy policy will remain unchanged. Over the weekend, two Indian government sources told Reuters that India will continue purchasing Russian oil, viewing it as essential for energy security and economic stability.
“We are guided by national interests, not external threats,” one source said, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.
India has been a key buyer of discounted Russian crude since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, navigating a careful diplomatic balance between the West and Russia.
The Trump administration’s stance is expected to raise tensions with New Delhi, which is seen as a strategic partner in Washington’s Indo-Pacific strategy.
