Trump Slaps 25% Tariff on India, Warns of Penalties Over Russian Oil and Arms Imports

In a dramatic turn in trade policy, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on Indian goods, blaming India for having excess tariffs on American products and its continued import of Russian oil and military equipment. Made via Trump's Truth Social post, the announcement also threatened an unspecified punishment on India's Russia imports of energy and defense equipment.

Trump reiterated that India is considered a friend but its trade policies have long been detrimental to US firms. Trump denounced India's "strenuous and obnoxious" trade policies and noted India's growing reliance on Russian crude oil—purportedly 35% of total imports—and $80 billion worth of Russian military hardware.

The action is being taken while tensions over the conflict in Ukraine are running high, with the U.S. urging allies to cut economic links with Moscow. Trump's administration considers the new tariffs and penalties part of a wider effort to rebalance trade and put pressure on countries to get into line with Western sanctions.

India has yet to officially respond but is reportedly weighing the implications. The action follows a string of recent American trade deals with other nations, including Japan and the EU, designed to boost exports and manufacturing in America.

The sanctions take effect Friday and risk straining U.S.-India relations and making future trade negotiations more difficult.