Trump to Hike Tariffs on India Over Russian Oil: India Calls It ‘Unjustified’

In a controversial move just months before the U.S. presidential elections, President Donald Trump announced that he would “substantially” raise tariffs on India, accusing the country of profiting from discounted Russian oil. The decision, which follows his earlier executive order imposing a 25% tariff on Indian imports, has sparked a major geopolitical debate between two of the world's largest democracies.

What Trump Said About India’s Russian Oil Trade

On August 4, 2025, President Trump took to Truth Social to express his disapproval of India’s continued oil imports from Russia. He alleged that India not only buys “massive amounts” of Russian oil but also sells it on the open market for profit — all while the war in Ukraine continues.

“They don’t care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA.” — Donald Trump, Truth Social

This move comes shortly after Trump signed an executive order on July 31, authorizing a 25% tariff on all Indian imports, citing India’s “high tariffs” and “non-monetary trade barriers.”

India’s Strong Rebuttal: ‘Unjustified and Unreasonable’

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) responded firmly, calling Trump’s remarks both “unjustified and unreasonable.” In a statement released on August 4, the MEA said that:

 
• The U.S. had earlier encouraged India to buy Russian oil to stabilize global energy markets.
 
• India’s oil purchases are “a necessity compelled by the global market situation.”
 
• The same Western nations criticizing India continue to trade with Russia themselves.

India emphasized that its energy security is non-negotiable and that it would “take all steps necessary to safeguard its national interest and economic security.”

Is India Really Profiting More Than the West?

The MEA presented hard-hitting statistics comparing trade volumes:

 
• EU's trade with Russia (2024): €67.5B in goods + €17.2B in services
 
• EU LNG imports from Russia (2024): 16.5 million tonnes
 
• U.S. imports: Uranium hexafluoride, palladium, fertilizers, and chemicals from Russia

India’s total trade with Russia is far less in comparison. The government argues that targeting India alone is not only unfair but hypocritical.

Impact on Indian Economy & Global Trade

Trump’s tariff hike comes at a critical time when India is looking to boost its exports, attract global manufacturing, and grow as an alternative to China. A 25% tariff — or more — could:

 
• Hurt Indian exporters in pharma, textiles, and electronics
 
• Push American buyers to switch to Vietnam, Indonesia, or Mexico
 
• Trigger retaliatory measures from India

Union Minister Piyush Goyal has informed Parliament that the government is consulting stakeholders and will act decisively to protect Indian interests.

Geopolitics at Play: U.S., Russia, and India’s Balancing Act

India has consistently walked a diplomatic tightrope between the West and Russia. Since the war in Ukraine began, India:

 
• Condemned civilian casualties but refused to join Western sanctions
 
• Boosted energy and defense trade with Russia
 
• Continued strategic dialogue with the U.S. under QUAD

Experts say that Trump’s approach may hurt long-term U.S.-India strategic ties and benefit China diplomatically.

People Also Ask

 
• Why is Trump raising tariffs on India?
  Trump claims India is profiting from Russian oil while the war in Ukraine continues.
 
• Did the U.S. encourage India to buy Russian oil?
  Yes, the MEA says the U.S. supported India’s purchases to stabilize global oil markets.
 
• How will the new tariffs affect India?
  They could hurt exporters and tilt trade advantages toward other Asian economies.
 
• Is India still trading with Russia?
  Yes, but its trade is significantly less than that of the EU or U.S.
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• When will Trump’s tariffs take effect?
  From August 7, 2025, as per the signed executive order.

Conclusion

Trump's decision to raise tariffs on India over Russian oil imports has stirred a diplomatic storm, with India calling out Western hypocrisy and asserting its national interests. As global power dynamics shift, it’s clear that economic policies are now deeply entangled with geopolitics. The world will be watching how this trade dispute unfolds — and whether reason or rhetoric wins in the end.

Do you think Trump's move is justified, or is India being unfairly targeted? Share your views in the comments below.