New Delhi/Washington, August 26: The United States has issued a draft notification to impose an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports, a move first announced by President Donald Trump earlier this year. The measure, set to take effect from August 27, 2025, was detailed in a draft released on Monday by the Department of Homeland Security.
According to the notice, the levies will apply to Indian products “entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on August 27.” Trump had initially announced a 25% baseline tariff on India before declaring an additional 25% duty, which New Delhi has described as “unjustified.”
Washington’s Pressure Tactics vs. India’s Defiance
The tariffs mark an escalation in Washington’s pressure campaign, driven by growing friction over New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil despite repeated objections from the US. The Trump administration views India’s stance as undermining efforts to curb Moscow’s revenue streams amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
India, however, has remained firm, asserting that its energy policy is guided by national interests and the need to ensure affordable energy for its population of 1.4 billion. Despite mounting US pressure, New Delhi has emerged as the second-largest buyer of Russian oil, emphasizing that its trade with Moscow contributes to global energy stability.
US Vice President JD Vance, in an interview with NBC News, defended the move as part of Washington’s broader strategy to pressure Russia.
“President Trump has applied aggressive economic leverage, including secondary tariffs on India, to make it harder for the Russians to profit from their oil economy,” Vance said.
India Reiterates Its Position
Indian officials have repeatedly underscored that the country’s priority remains energy security. Speaking to Russia’s state-run TASS agency, Indian Ambassador to Moscow Vinay Kumar stated:
“Indian companies will continue buying from wherever they get the best deal. Our objective is energy security for 1.4 billion Indians, and our cooperation with Russia, as with other countries, has helped bring stability to the global oil market.”
On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a pointed message during a rally in Ahmedabad, indirectly addressing Trump’s measures. Stressing his government’s commitment to protecting domestic interests, Modi said:
“All of you are witnessing the kind of politics driven by economic self-interest that is happening in the world today. From this land of Ahmedabad, I want to assure small entrepreneurs, shopkeepers, farmers, and cattle rearers: for Modi, your interests are paramount. No matter how much pressure comes, we will continue strengthening ourselves to withstand it.”
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