In a dramatic move sure to rattle global markets, US President Donald Trump announced plans to “very substantially” increase tariffs on Indian imports within the next 24 hours, sharply escalating trade tensions between Washington and New Delhi. The latest salvo comes barely a week after the US imposed a blanket 25% tariff on all Indian imports, citing India’s continuing purchases of Russian oil amidst the Ukraine war.
Key Developments Unfolding Today
Trump’s Strong Stance
President Trump, speaking in a televised CNBC interview, accused India of being the “highest tariff nation” and “not a good trading partner,” citing the large trade imbalance and New Delhi’s ongoing energy deals with Russia.
The US already imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods last week, effective August 7, and now Trump says this rate will be raised “very substantially” within a day, though he has not specified by how much.
Trump links the decision directly to India’s procurement of Russian crude, asserting that such purchases are fueling the “Russian war machine” and undermining the West’s efforts to isolate Moscow in response to the war in Ukraine.
Pharmaceutical goods are mentioned as a possible new target for tariffs, with Trump stating an “initially small tariff” could be imposed on Indian pharma imports.
India Responds Sharply
India’s Ministry of External Affairs labelled the threat of higher duties “unjustified and unreasonable,” strongly rebutting claims that its purchases of Russian oil are out of line with global norms.
Indian officials pointed to the double standards of the US and EU, who, despite their criticisms, continue to conduct billions in trade with Russia, especially in energy and critical materials.
Data cited by Indian officials show the European Union traded €67.5 billion in goods with Russia in 2024 alone, vastly dwarfing India’s own trade with Moscow.
India’s government reaffirmed that energy ties with Russia are a matter of national necessity, and accused Western critics of hypocrisy.
International Reaction and Russia’s Entry
The Kremlin entered the fray, calling US attempts to pressure India “illegitimate” and affirming that sovereign nations are free to choose their trading partners.
Russian officials decried Trump’s threats as “efforts to coerce nations into severing trade ties with Russia,” emphasizing that such pressure undermines international norms.
Core Highlights
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US tariffs on India stand at 25%, with further hikes imminent – potentially affecting sectors like garments, gems, auto parts, leather and pharmaceuticals.
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Trump’s move jeopardizes the already-strained US-India trade negotiations, undermining chances for a long-discussed bilateral trade agreement.
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Trade between both nations is significant: in 2024, the US imported $87 billion of Indian goods while exporting $41 billion to India.
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Analysts estimate the new tariffs could cut India’s GDP growth rate by 0.2-0.3 percentage points, a blow to Indian exporters and the broader South Asian economy.
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India is preparing countermeasures, including a possible Rs 20,000 crore support plan for exporters and “Brand India” promotion to buffer the impact.
What Happens Next
The US government is expected to announce specifics of the increased tariff rate in the next 24 hours.
Both sides have indicated willingness to continue dialogue, but the atmosphere is tense, and prospects for a near-term trade truce appear bleak.
Market watchers are closely monitoring US-India trade, global supply chains, and oil prices for potential shocks stemming from the escalating standoff.
Source: Economic Times, Times of India, Financial Express, Business Standard, NDTV, CNBC, Reuters, Al Jazeera, Moneycontrol, Bloomberg.
