Trump UNLEASHES Tariff Bomb Against India

The Taj Mahal reflecting in water during sunset

President Trump threatens to “very substantially” raise tariffs on India very soon, accusing New Delhi of “fueling the war machine” by purchasing Russian oil and undermining America’s efforts to isolate Putin’s regime.

Story Snapshot

Trump plans immediate tariff escalation beyond current 25% rate on Indian exports worth $85 billion annually
India accused of profiting from Russian oil purchases while undermining Western sanctions against Putin
New Delhi responds defiantly, citing Western hypocrisy and defending national energy security interests
Trade war threatens key Indian export sectors including textiles, pharmaceuticals, and IT services

Trump Takes Hardline Stance Against India’s Russia Ties

President Trump announced plans to dramatically increase tariffs on Indian goods within 24 hours, escalating beyond the existing 25% rate imposed in July 2025. Trump directly accused India of undermining American foreign policy by continuing to purchase Russian oil, stating that New Delhi is “fueling the war machine” and profiting from reselling Russian crude. This represents a significant shift from previous diplomatic approaches, with Trump linking trade policy directly to geopolitical compliance on Ukraine-related sanctions.

India Defends Energy Security Strategy

The Indian government has rejected Trump’s accusations as unjustified, with officials consulting stakeholders for an appropriate response. New Delhi argues that Western nations, including EU countries, continue trading with Russia while hypocritically criticizing India’s energy purchases. India’s Ministry of External Affairs emphasizes that the country prioritizes affordable energy for its 1.4 billion citizens and maintains the sovereign right to pursue its national interests in energy security.

Economic Warfare Threatens Bilateral Trade

Nearly half of India’s $85 billion in annual exports to the United States face potential disruption from escalating tariffs. Key sectors at risk include textiles, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, and IT services that employ millions of Indians. The trade confrontation threatens to unravel decades of growing economic partnership, with India serving as America’s largest export market outside traditional allies. American consumers may face higher prices on imported goods, while Indian exporters scramble to find alternative markets.

Strategic Partnership Under Strain

Trump’s aggressive approach marks a dramatic departure from previous U.S.-India relations, which positioned New Delhi as a key partner against China’s regional influence. India has become the world’s largest seaborne buyer of Russian crude oil, citing energy security and price advantages over Western alternatives. The confrontation risks pushing India closer to Russia and China, potentially undermining broader American strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region where India serves as a crucial counterweight to Beijing’s expansion.

Trump threatens to substantially raise tariffs on India for buying Russian oil.

"India has been targeted by the United States & the European Union for importing oil from Russia after the commencement of the Ukraine conflict… India will take all necessary measures to safeguard… pic.twitter.com/6mglG5eVDV

— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) August 5, 2025

This trade war represents Trump’s commitment to using economic leverage to enforce foreign policy compliance, demonstrating that even strategic partners cannot escape consequences for actions that undermine American interests. The escalation shows Trump’s willingness to prioritize pressure on Russia over maintaining diplomatic niceties with nations that refuse to fully align with Western sanctions regimes.