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Trump announces 25% tariffs, penalty on India
US President Donald Trump has announced that India will face a 25% tariff on all exports to the United States starting August 1, along with an additional unspecified penalty.
The announcement was made Wednesday via a post on Truth Social, Trump’s own social media platform.
Trump justified the move by citing India’s continued purchase of military hardware and oil from Russia, despite being labeled "our friend" by the American leader.
He also criticized India for what he called "strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary trade barriers" and some of the highest tariffs in the world.
"Remember, while India is our friend... we have, over the years, done relatively little business with them because their tariffs are far too high, among the highest in the world. And they have the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary trade barriers of any country," Trump posted.
He further alleged that both India and China are indirectly funding Russia’s war in Ukraine — a conflict he claims he could resolve within 24 hours of taking office next January.
"Also, they have always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia, and are Russia's largest buyer of energy... at a time when everyone wants Russia to stop the killing in Ukraine. India will, therefore, be paying a tariff of 25 per cent, plus a penalty for the above, starting August 1..."
Trump’s announcement follows earlier tariff hikes declared in April, which were later scaled down and delayed to allow space for negotiations. August 1 was the self-imposed deadline for imposing reciprocal tariffs on multiple countries, including India.
Speaking to reporters earlier on Wednesday after returning from a golf trip to Scotland, Trump reiterated, "India has been a good friend... but has charged basically more tariffs than almost any other country... you can't do that."
The decision comes amid stalled US-India trade talks, with American officials seeking greater access to India’s dairy and agricultural markets—sectors that remain politically sensitive in India due to their impact on local farmers.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said earlier this week that Washington needs more time to assess India’s willingness to open its markets to American goods, reports UNB.