On the 6th, U.S. President Trump signed an executive order imposing an additional 25% tariff on Indian products exported to the United States, citing India’s “direct or indirect import of Russian oil.” This means that the overall U.S. tariff rate on India will rise to 50%.

According to a statement released by the White House on the same day, Trump stated that the Russian government’s actions and policies continue to pose an “unusual threat” to U.S. national security and foreign policy. To address the national emergency triggered by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, he said it is “necessary and appropriate” to impose additional ad valorem tariffs on India for its direct or indirect imports of Russian oil. The statement indicated that, with certain exceptions, the new tariff measures will take effect 21 days after the executive order is published.

According to the executive order signed by Trump on July 31, the United States will impose a 25% tariff on goods imported from India starting August 7. Combined with the additional tariffs announced on the 6th, the overall tariff rate applicable to Indian imports to the U.S. will reach 50%.

Recently, Trump threatened to sharply raise tariffs on Indian products, citing India’s purchase of Russian oil. He claimed that India not only buys large quantities of Russian oil but also resells it on the secondary market, reaping substantial profits and thereby providing “fuel” for Russia’s war machine.

On the 6th, India’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement reaffirming that the U.S. imposition of additional tariffs on India is “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.” The Indian side will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests. The statement said that India’s import of Russian oil is driven by market factors, and the overall goal is to ensure India’s energy security.

Earlier this week, India’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that after the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the United States had actively encouraged India to increase its imports of Russian oil in order to enhance stability in the global energy market.

After the Trump administration announced its so-called “reciprocal tariffs” in early April, it once claimed that a trade agreement with India could soon be reached. However, disagreements between the two sides over tariff and non-tariff barriers have plunged trade negotiations into a deadlock. Recently, India’s imports of oil from Russia have become a key target of U.S. criticism.

Recently, Trump has been stepping up pressure on Russia to reach a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine, setting a “10-day deadline” on July 29. The United States has imposed additional tariffs on Indian products, citing India’s import of Russian oil, a move widely seen by international public opinion as part of U.S. efforts to put pressure on Russia.