The US President, Donald Trump, has signed an executive order doubling tariffs on India from 25% to 50% for purchasing oil from Russia.
On Wednesday, Trump signed an executive order imposing tariffs on India “in response to its continued purchase of Russian Federation oil,” the White House said. This makes India’s tariffs among the highest imposed by the US so far.
“India’s importation of Russian Federation oil undermines US efforts to counter Russia’s harmful activities,” the White House noted.
The tariffs will come into effect on August 27, 2025, according to the White House fact sheet, which warned that other countries that directly or indirectly import Russian oil could be subject to similar tariffs.
India and China are two of the largest Russian oil buyers. Trump has imposed 30% tariffs on imports from China.
In response to Trump’s announcement, the Indian Foreign Ministry reiterated in a statement that “these actions are unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.”
It said that New Delhi had made clear its position that its imports from Russia “are based on market factors” and aim to ensure energy security for its people.
“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,” it noted, adding that New Delhi will “take all actions necessary to protect its national interests.”
The tariff hike announcement followed a meeting between the US Special Envoy, Steve Witkoff, and the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, in Moscow, two days before Trump’s deadline for Russia to end its war in Ukraine or face new economic sanctions.
