On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump warned of possible secondary sanctions against India if it continues to import Russian oil. The announcement came amid a recent doubling of U.S. import tariffs on Indian goods to 50 percent spurred by Delhi’s ongoing energy deal with Moscow.
When asked why India was singled out, Trump responded: “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 many secondary sanctions.” He suggested China could similarly face penalties though no decision has been finalized.
Trump issued an executive order imposing an additional 25 percent tariff on Indian imports, slated to take effect in 21 days. This brings the total duty to 50% on most goods. Key exclusions apply for items already in transit or those granted special exemptions.
#WATCH | On being asked, 'On the Indian penalties, do you have any similar plans to enact more tariffs on China', US President Donald Trump says, "Could happen. Depends on how we do. Could happen."
(Source: The White House/YouTube) pic.twitter.com/iauBFQ91mH
— ANI (@ANI) August 6, 2025
India’s government swiftly condemned the move as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable,” arguing its Russian oil purchases are driven by energy security needs for 1.4 billion citizens. Indian officials emphasized that other countries importing Russian oil were not facing similar sanctions.
Reports indicate the new tariffs could slash U.S.-bound exports from India by 40–50%, according to trade experts, placing India as one of the most heavily taxed suppliers to the U.S. economy.
Although Trump suggested that these tariffs might accelerate progress in U.S.–Russia talks over Ukraine, India’s foreign ministry reiterated its sovereign right to diversify energy sources.
Amid growing protectionist measures, this escalation underscores the fragile geopolitics of energy trade and the rising tensions in U.S.-India relations.
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