India has strongly condemned the latest move by US President Donald Trump to impose an additional 25% tariff on Indian exports, raising total duties to 50%. The measure, which will take effect in 21 days, specifically penalises India for importing Russian oil. However, India has refused to bow down. It described the action as “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable” and pledged to “take all actions necessary” to defend its economic and strategic interests.
Despite adopting the same import policies as a number of US allies, India now has to pay more in US duties than China or Pakistan as a result of this action. In addition to casting doubt on selective targeting, the impact also points to a more serious rift in commercial relations between the US and India.
A Disproportionate Blow
India is clearly at a disadvantage as a result of this tariff increase. The new 50% duty is 31% more than Pakistan’s and 20% more than what the US has placed on China. While New Delhi contends that such purchases are solely driven by the market and are essential for the energy security of its 1.4 billion population, Washington defends this action as a reaction to India’s ongoing imports of Russian oil.
ALSO READ: India Not a ‘Dead Economy’, RBI Hits Back at Trump Amid Rising US Tariff Threats
India has also pointed out the double standards. The US and many European countries continue to trade with Russia in energy, fertilisers, nuclear material, and industrial goods. Yet, it is India that is being penalised, and New Delhi argues that it is unjust.
Consistent Position, Firm Pushback
India has stated its stance several times. It contends that economic considerations, not political loyalty, are the foundation of trade with Russia. Earlier this month, after the US first announced its plan, India said it would study the implications but remained committed to a fair and balanced trade partnership.
Now, with the second blow confirmed, India has dropped diplomatic restraint. In a series of strongly worded statements, the foreign ministry has reminded Washington of the hypocrisy in its own Russia trade, ranging from uranium for its nuclear industry to palladium for EVs.
India made clear that it won’t tolerate being singled out and will not compromise its autonomy or national interests.
Shift in Indo-US Trade Dynamics?
Trump’s latest move may trigger more than just economic retaliation. It indicates a fundamental break in the Indo-US trade relationship, one formed over two decades of consistent cooperation.
For a while, India has navigated its ties with both Russia and the US, but repeated economic targeting may push India closer to diversifying its trade portfolio further, especially with non-Western partners.
The fallout could also reshape India’s global positioning—away from dependency on the US-led trade order and toward more assertive economic sovereignty.
ALSO READ: 80 Years Of Hiroshima: Why the World Still Fears & Resists Nuclear Weapons?
Battle of Perception and Policy
Trump’s rhetoric has simply fueled flames. “India and Russia may take their dead economies down together,” he warned, while warning of more tariff hikes.
But India is pushing back with both numbers and principle. It is calling Western double standards and is demanding fair treatment. More importantly, it is doing so with calm resolve, signalling a new phase in its external economic policy—one driven not by pressure, but by principle.
