Trump Doubles Tariffs on India to 50% Over Russian Oil Imports, Faces Backlash at Home

Washington(The Uttam Hindu): In a major punitive move, US President Donald Trump has doubled tariffs on India from 25% to 50% over its continued purchase of Russian oil. The decision, announced after Trump’s recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, has triggered strong criticism within the United States.

The Democratic-led House Foreign Affairs Committee rejected the move outright, arguing that penalizing India would not stop Putin. “Imposing tariffs on India will not restrain Putin. If President Trump truly wants to stop Russia’s illegal occupation of Ukraine, he should punish Putin directly and support Ukraine’s military,” the committee said in a statement.

Earlier, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had warned that India could face higher tariffs if it did not reduce Russian oil imports, hinting that Trump’s decision would follow his talks with Putin.

With the new hike, India now joins Brazil as one of the countries facing the steepest US tariffs. The 50% duty will come into effect from August 28. India has expressed disappointment, calling the Trump administration’s unilateral move “unfair” and against the spirit of global trade cooperation.