Trump to hit India with 25% tariffs – plus ‘penalty’ for trade with Russia

The US will impose 25% tariffs on goods imported from India “plus an unspecified penalty” for buying Russian oil and weapons, President Donald Trump has said.

Posting on his Truth Social platform, he said the measures would take effect from 1 August, the US deadline for a trade deal. He described India as a friend whose “tariffs are far too high, among the highest in the world”.

He also criticised India’s purchases of Russian military equipment and energy “when everyone wants Russia to STOP THE KILLING IN UKRAINE”.

India said it was committed to “concluding a fair, balanced and mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement”. Last year, the US had a trade deficit of $45.8bn (£26.1bn) with India.Back in April, Trump had announced tariffs of up to 27% on Indian goods, which were later paused. This Friday is the latest deadline for India and other countries to either reach a trade agreement or face increased tariffs.

Tariffs are taxes charged on goods imported from other countries. The US president has repeatedly taken aim at India’s high tariffs, branding it a “tariff king” and a “big abuser” of trade ties.

“But now I’m in charge, and you just can’t do that,” he said earlier on Tuesday.

India’s government said it was studying the implications of Trump’s remarks.

It said it “attaches the utmost importance to protecting and promoting the welfare” of Indian farmers, entrepreneurs and small businesses.

“The government will take all steps necessary to secure our national interest.”

Since April, both sides have been racing to negotiate an agreement, with officials sometimes sounding positive and at other times, measured.

“We continue to speak with our Indian counterparts. We’ve always had very constructive discussions with them,” US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said earlier this week.