Finance Desk – US President Donald Trump is moving ahead with plans to impose a 50% tariff on Indian goods, starting August 27, 2025, as part of his strategy to pressure Russia over its war in Ukraine.
A draft notice from the US Department of Homeland Security says the higher tariffs will apply to Indian goods entering or withdrawn from warehouses after 12:01 am Eastern Daylight Time on August 27 (9:30 am IST).
Earlier this month, Trump announced he would double tariffs on Indian imports from 25% to 50% because India continues to buy Russian oil. The US says the move is aimed at cutting Russia’s oil revenue and forcing Moscow to end the conflict.
India has criticised these “secondary tariffs” as unfair but says progress in peace talks could make such measures unnecessary.
At a rally in Ahmedabad, Prime Minister Narendra Modi indirectly addressed the US tariff threat, saying India would strengthen itself to resist outside pressure and protect the interests of small businesses, farmers, and livestock owners.
US Vice President JD Vance recently said on NBC News that Trump is using strong economic tools, including tariffs on India, to pressure Russia. Trump has also warned that more tariffs or sanctions could follow if there’s no progress on a peace deal.
So far, China another major buyer of Russian oil has not faced similar penalties.
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin recently spoke with Modi as India continues to balance ties with both Russia and China while making it clear it will keep purchasing Russian oil despite US pressure.
