Washington D.C., Aug 7 – U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday defended his decision to impose additional tariffs on Indian imports, following questions about why India was being singled out despite other nations continuing to purchase oil from Russia.
“It’s only been eight hours,” Trump told reporters. “Let’s see what happens. You’re going to see a lot more. You’re going to see so many secondary sanctions.”
Trump’s comments came shortly after he signed an executive order doubling tariffs on Indian goods. The new measure adds an additional 25% tariff on top of the 25% announced last week, bringing the total to 50%.
When asked whether similar action might be taken against China for its oil trade with Russia, Trump hinted at future moves. “It may happen. I don’t know, I can’t tell you yet. But we did it with India. We are probably doing it with a couple of others—one of them could be China.”
Additional Tariffs Take Effect in Two Phases
Under the executive order signed Wednesday, the initial 25% tariff on Indian imports takes effect on August 7, 2025. The newly announced additional 25% duty will be enforced 21 days later. The order specifies that this ad valorem duty will be imposed in addition to any existing tariffs, fees, taxes, or charges.
“I find that the Government of India is currently directly or indirectly importing oil from the Russian Federation,” 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.”
With few exclusions, most Indian imports will now face a combined 50% tariff.
India Condemns Move as 'Unfair, Unjustified, and Unreasonable'
India responded strongly to the announcement. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the tariff increase, describing it as “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.”
“Our oil imports are guided by market considerations and the energy security needs of 1.4 billion people,” the MEA said in a statement. “It is extremely unfortunate that the U.S. has chosen to penalize India for actions that many other countries are also undertaking in pursuit of their own national interests.”
The ministry further criticized the U.S. decision as damaging to the spirit of strategic partnership and mutual respect between the two nations.
“India will take all necessary steps to safeguard its national interests,” the statement concluded.
