Trump Slaps 50% Tariffs on India Over Russian Oil Trade

What We Know

President Donald Trump on Wednesday issued an executive order imposing sweeping new tariffs on imports from India, raising the rate to 50% in response to India’s continued purchases of Russian oil. The order, published by the White House on August 6, 2025, invokes emergency powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and cites Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine as a threat to U.S. national security.

According to the executive order, the measure takes effect 21 days after issuance, impacting all Indian goods entering the U.S. except those already in transit before the deadline. The order also outlines procedures for monitoring other countries that may be indirectly purchasing Russian oil, setting the stage for broader trade penalties.

India, identified as directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil, becomes the first country targeted under this provision. The tariffs will be added on top of any existing duties unless exempted under existing agreements or special statuses.

What They’re Saying

The order authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, in coordination with other top officials, to monitor oil trade activity globally. Countries found importing Russian oil—even through intermediaries—could be subjected to similar penalties. The Secretary of Homeland Security is directed to ensure U.S. Customs properly enforces the new tariffs.

India has not yet responded officially to the U.S. announcement, though diplomatic fallout is widely expected. The measure marks a significant escalation in U.S.–India trade tensions amid broader geopolitical shifts involving Russia and the West.

The Bottom Line

President Trump’s move to double tariffs on India signals a tougher U.S. stance on countries seen as undermining sanctions against Russia. It opens the door to additional economic pressure on other nations with ties to Russian oil, deepening the global ramifications of the war in Ukraine and testing America’s strategic partnerships.