Trump slaps additional 25% tariff on India over Russian oil purchases, bringing total rate to 50%

WASHINGTON — President Trump took executive action Wednesday to hammer India with an additional 25% tariff due to its continued purchases of Russian oil.

The move, which will take effect Aug. 27, will increase the total US tariff rate on India to 50% and comes ahead of Trump’s Friday deadline for Russia to make peace with Ukraine or face secondary tariffs or sanctions — penalties on countries that continue purchasing energy from Moscow.

“The actions and policies of the Government of the Russian Federation continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States,” Trump noted in his executive order.

India is the second-largest importer of Russian energy after China. Trump has singled out India in recent days, but New Delhi has been defiant in the face of his duty threats.

“Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security,” India’s foreign ministry said in a statement earlier this week responding to Trump.
“The targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable.”