US Slams India With 50% Tariffs Over Russian Oil
The United States has imposed 50 per cent tariffs on several Indian products, doubling existing duties in a move President Donald Trump said was meant to punish New Delhi for buying Russian oil.
India condemned the levies as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable,” with exporters warning of massive job cuts and urging government support.
The Federation of Indian Export Organisations called for “liquidity support from the government,” stressing the need to keep workers on payroll despite cancelled US orders.
The sanctions, which took effect on Wednesday, come as Washington intensifies pressure on India over its energy dealings with Moscow, a key source of revenue for Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Analysts say the duty is tantamount to a trade embargo and could devastate smaller firms. Exporters of textiles, seafood and jewellery are already reporting losses to rivals such as Bangladesh and Vietnam.
Although the tariffs are sweeping, sectors such as pharmaceuticals, computer chips, smartphones, steel, aluminium and automobiles were exempted.
The US was India’s largest export destination in 2024, with shipments valued at $87.3 billion.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged to cushion the blow with tax reliefs and reiterated India’s push for self-reliance.
India’s foreign ministry previously argued that oil purchases from Russia were encouraged by Washington at the onset of the war to stabilise global energy markets.
In 2024, Russia supplied 36 per cent of India’s crude imports, helping New Delhi save billions and maintain fuel price stability.
Trump’s trade adviser, Peter Navarro, accused India of “cozying up to Xi Jinping” and refusing to acknowledge its role in the war.
Wendy Cutler of the Asia Society Policy Institute said India had gone from a promising partner to facing “among the highest tariffs,” warning that trust between the two nations could take years to rebuild.
The tariffs come as part of Trump’s wider trade strategy, which has targeted partners from the EU to Indonesia, citing unfair practices and trade imbalances.
Earlier this month, tariffs on Brazilian goods were also raised to 50 per cent, though with broad exemptions.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
