US-India Trade Tensions Escalate Over New Tariffs
The trade relationship between the United States and India has taken a sharp downturn after US President Donald Trump imposed a significant new tariff on Indian imports and warned of further penalties. The move, a direct response to India's continued purchase of Russian oil, has been met with a strong condemnation from New Delhi, which has vowed to protect its national interests.
Punitive Tariff and a Warning
The White House issued an executive order adding a 25% tariff on Indian goods, bringing the total duty to 50%. The revised tariffs are set to take effect on August 27. President Trump did not stop there, telling reporters that India could face more "secondary sanctions" for its economic ties with Russia. He also hinted that China could face similar measures, signaling a broader crackdown on countries trading with Moscow.
India's Firm Rebuttal
India's Ministry of External Affairs immediately responded, calling the tariff hike "unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable." The ministry reiterated that its oil imports are based on market factors and are essential for the energy security of its 1.4 billion people. In a strongly-worded statement, the MEA declared that India "will take all necessary steps to protect its national interest," indicating that retaliatory measures could be on the table.
This direct confrontation marks a new low in the strategic partnership, placing India's sovereign foreign policy and energy needs in direct conflict with the US's efforts to isolate Russia on the global stage.
