Washington – The United States government has announced an additional 25% tariff on goods imported from India, citing New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil. The new levy raises the total tariff rate on Indian goods to 50%, among the highest imposed on any US trading partner.

“I find that the Government of India is currently directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil,” US President Donald Trump said in an executive order issued on Wednesday.

“Accordingly, and as consistent with applicable law, articles of India imported into the customs territory of the United States shall be subject to an additional ad valorem rate of duty of 25%,” the order stated.

The newly announced tariffs will come into effect in 21 days, while the previously announced 25% duties are scheduled to take effect on Thursday.

India called it “extremely unfortunate” and asserted that its energy imports are guided by national interest and market dynamics.

“We have already made clear our position on these issues, including the fact that our imports are based on market factors and done with the overall objective of ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people of India,” a spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

“We reiterate that these actions are unfair, unjustified and unreasonable,” the statement added.

The tariff increase follows recent warnings by President Trump to penalise countries continuing trade with Russia, particularly in the energy sector, amid ongoing tensions linked to the war in Ukraine.

The executive order also directs US officials to assess whether other countries are importing Russian oil and recommend possible actions accordingly.

Agencies