Trump raises India levy on Russian oil as tariff deadline nears

Trump Raises Tariffs on Indian Imports in a New Trade War

Key Points

• New 25‑percent duty on Indian goods will take effect in three weeks.
• The order stacks on a separate 25‑percent levy already in force, making the total 50 percent for many items.
• Direct or indirect import of Russian oil could trigger penalties on other countries.
• Exemptions remain for sectors such as steel, aluminium, pharmaceuticals and semiconductors.
• Apple and other smartphone makers are shielded for now.

India’s Response

India’s foreign ministry called the move “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.” It noted that Washington had earlier encouraged Indian imports from Russia to stabilise global energy markets.

Strategic Context

Trump’s tariffs on India follow a separate escalation against Brazil, where duties on various goods jumped from 10 percent to 50 percent. The new wave of reciprocal tariffs will hit dozens of economies, ranging from the EU to Taiwan, with maximum rates of 41 percent for countries like Syria.

Legal and Diplomatic Challenges

• Switzerland’s President Karin Keller‑Sutter rushed to Washington ahead of the Thursday deadline, facing a 39 percent duty on many exports.
• Some of Trump’s tariffs face legal challenges over his use of emergency economic powers, likely to reach the Supreme Court.
• India’s national security adviser was in Moscow on Wednesday, coinciding with a visit by US envoy Steve Witkoff.