Hours after the US President slapped an additional 25 per cent on India, bringing the total to 50 percent, Donald Trump on Wednesday threatened to impose secondary sanctions. During a press interaction, US President Donald Trump was questioned about why India was being singled out for purchasing oil from Russia when many other countries do the same. In response, Trump said, “It’s only been 8 hours. So let’s see what happens. You’re going to see a lot more. You’re going to see so much secondary sanctions.”Amid deepening India-Russia oil ties, the US appears to be stepping up sanctions against New Delhi, signaling a broader strategy by President Trump to economically isolate Russia in the wake of its invasion of Ukraine.
US imposed additional tariffs on India
Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday announcing that India will face an extra 25% tariff over and above the 25% rate announced last week. While the 25% rate is effective from August 7, 2025, the newly announced additional tariff will come into place 21 days from now.Following this directive, Indian imports to the US, except for a limited exclusion list, will face a combined tariff of 50%.”The ad valorem duty imposed…shall be in addition to any other duties, fees, taxes, exactions, and charges applicable to such imports…,” the order said.“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,” it said.
India calls tariff increase ‘3Us- Unfair, unjustified and unreasonable’
India’s response was swift and firm, with the ministry of external affairs denouncing the tariff increase as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.” The ministry emphasised that India’s Russian oil imports are driven by market considerations and energy security requirements for its 1.4 billion population.The MEA statement further asserted India’s commitment to protecting its national interests, describing the US decision as detrimental to their strategic partnership and mutual respect principles.“The United States has in recent days targeted India’s oil imports from Russia. We have already made clear our position on these issues, including the fact that our imports are based on market factors and done with the overall objective of ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people of India. It is therefore extremely unfortunate that the US should choose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest. We reiterate that these actions are unfair, unjustified and unreasonable. India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests,” the MEA said. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for his first Chinese visit in over seven years amidst deteriorating US relations, Trump has suggested similar tariff measures against China.
Trump may impose sanctions on China
When questioned about potential sanctions on China, Trump acknowledged the possibility, stating that additional secondary sanctions might be implemented to pressure Russia. He confirmed that after India’s case, similar actions could be extended to other nations, potentially including China.“It may happen… I can’t tell you yet,” Trump said. “We did it with India. We’re doing it probably with a couple of others. One of them could be China.”
