While addressing the press, Trump shared that more secondary sanctions will be announced in future. (Image Credit: X)
In a move that signals escalating economic pressure, U.S. President Donald Trump has doubled down on punitive trade measures against India, announcing an additional 25 per cent tariff on top of the 25 per cent announced last week, bringing the total to 50 per cent on most Indian imports. The decision follows India’s continued oil trade with Russia. It comes amid warnings that more secondary sanctions could soon be applied, not just to India, but potentially to other countries, including China.
During a press interaction on Wednesday, President Trump was asked why India was being targeted for importing Russian oil while several other nations continued similar trade. Rather than offering a detailed explanation, he hinted at further sanctions: “It’s only been eight hours. So let’s see what happens. You’re going to see a lot more. You’re going to see so much secondary sanctions.”
Shortly after that statement, Trump signed an executive order levying an additional 25% ad valorem duty on Indian goods, bringing the total tariff rate to 50%. The previously imposed 25% duty will take effect from August 7, 2025, while the “secondary sanction” will be implemented 21 days from the date of the new order. The tariffs apply broadly to Indian imports entering U.S. customs territory, with limited exemptions.
“I find that the Government of India is currently directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil,” the executive order states. “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.”
In response to the U.S., India swiftly condemned the decision, with the Ministry of External Affairs calling the tariffs “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.” In a formal statement, the ministry argued that India’s energy imports are dictated by market conditions and the need to meet the energy demands of its 1.4 billion citizens.
“The United States has in recent days targeted India's oil imports from Russia,” the statement read. “We reiterate that these actions are unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable. India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests.”
As diplomatic tensions rise, Trump also hinted at similar actions against other countries. When asked whether China could be targeted next, he did not rule it out. “It may happen… I can’t tell you yet,” he said. “We did it with India. We're doing it probably with a couple of others. One of them could be China.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is reportedly preparing for his first official visit to China in more than seven years—an event now cast in a new light amid deteriorating U.S.-India relations.
