New US Tariffs on India: Trump's 50% Duty Sparks Diplomatic Spat Over Russian Oil Purchases
India denounces new 50% tariffs from the US as "unjustified" amid a dispute over Russian oil. Get the latest on the escalating trade tensions.
India-US Trade Standoff: Tariffs Soar to 50% Amidst Russian Oil Import Dispute
In a significant escalation of trade tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a new round of steep tariffs on Indian goods, bringing the total duty on many products to 50%. The move comes as a direct response to India's continued purchase of Russian oil, opening a fresh front in the global trade wars. The additional 25% tariff, set to take effect in three weeks, will be imposed on top of an existing 25% duty that went into force today.
The tariffs, however, will not apply universally. Exemptions remain for certain categories, including steel and aluminum, which are already subject to sector-specific duties. Other categories, such as pharmaceuticals and semiconductors, could be impacted later.
India's Foreign Ministry has swiftly condemned the announcement, labeling the action as "unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable." In a statement, the ministry clarified that India's decision to import Russian oil was a matter of global energy stability. They noted that these purchases began after traditional suppliers diverted their oil to Europe due to the conflict, a move they claim Washington had "actively encouraged."
This latest development marks a critical point in the economic relationship between the two nations, setting the stage for a potential diplomatic standoff over energy policy and trade.
