The White House has announced an additional 25% tariff on imports from India, bringing total tariffs to 50%, in retaliation for India's purchase of oil from Russia. The executive order, signed on Wednesday, gives India 21 days to respond before the tariffs take effect.
This move follows a previous 25% tariff imposed by Donald Trump last week as a penalty for India's trading relationship with Russia. Trump has criticised India for buying Russian energy, claiming it fuels the war against Ukraine. India has defended its actions, stating that its imports are based on market factors and aimed at ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people.
India's Ministry of External Affairs described the tariffs as unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable, vowing to take all necessary actions to protect national interests. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his first comments since the tariff threat, said he would not compromise the interests of Indian farmers even at a heavy cost, though he did not directly reference the US tariffs.
Trump has also targeted India's role in the BRICS bloc, which he called anti-United States. The tariffs place India alongside Brazil, which faces a similar 50% rate due to the arrest of former President Jair Bolsonaro. Other reciprocal tariffs include 35% on Canada and 25% on Mexico, set to take effect this Friday.
