US–India Tariff Row LIVE: Modi–Putin Talks, Defence Ministry Denial, and US Economy Feels the Heat
Tensions rise as US President Donald Trump imposes a 50% tariff on Indian imports over its oil trade with Russia. PM Modi speaks with Putin, India denies pausing US defence talks, and economists warn of strain on the US economy.
PM Narendra Modi speaks with Russian President Vladimir Putin as US tariffs on Indian imports spark global trade tensions.
Tensions between India and the United States have escalated after President Donald Trump announced a steep 50% tariff on Indian imports, citing New Delhi’s continued oil trade with Russia. The move marks a sharp turn in bilateral relations that had been warming in recent years.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is chairing a high-level Cabinet meeting on Friday to assess the economic fallout. Trump has also ruled out any new trade negotiations with India until “the issue is resolved,” without clarifying whether he meant the Ukraine war, oil purchases from Russia, or broader trade disputes.
The additional 25% punitive tariff, announced Wednesday, is directly linked to India’s oil imports from Russia — a strategy widely seen as part of Washington’s pressure campaign to push Moscow toward a Ukraine ceasefire. The new tariffs will take effect on August 27.
Key LIVE Updates — August 8, 2025
🇮🇳 Modi–Putin Phone Call:
PM Modi held what he described as a “very good and detailed conversation” with Russian President Vladimir Putin, discussing the latest Ukraine developments and reviewing progress in the India–Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. Modi reaffirmed India’s consistent stance on a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict and invited Putin to visit India later this year.
🛡 Defence Ministry Denial:
Reports suggesting India has paused defence procurement talks with the US were dismissed as “false and fabricated” by Defence Ministry sources. Officials clarified that all purchase processes are continuing as per established procedures.
🇺🇸 US Tariffs Begin Amid Economic Strain:
Trump’s broader tariff measures also kicked in on Thursday, with higher import taxes imposed on goods from over 60 countries. Rates now stand at 15% for products from the EU, Japan, and South Korea, and 20% for imports from Taiwan, Vietnam, and Bangladesh. While Trump claimed the US is “taking in hundreds of billions of dollars in tariffs,” economists warn of visible strain on the American economy.
