Trump’s tariff strike on India begins August 27, 50% duty on imports over Russian oil trade

Washington has issued formal notice to New Delhi that a steep new wave of tariffs on Indian goods will come into force at the stroke of midnight on August 27. The decision, driven by President Donald Trump’s executive order earlier this month, doubles import duties on Indian products to 50%, escalating a trade clash that threatens to shake one of the world’s most significant economic partnerships.

The Department of Homeland Security [1]announced August 25 that the enhanced levies would apply to all Indian imports “entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 AM eastern daylight time” on August 27.

The move marks the implementation of Trump’s additional 25% “penalty tariffs” on India, imposed in retaliation for New Delhi’s continued purchases of discounted Russian oil. “We are applying aggressive economic leverage, including secondary tariffs on India, to make it harder for the Russians to get rich from their oil economy,” US Vice President JD Vance said in an interview with NBC News, adding that the pressure was intended to force Moscow to halt its bombardment of Ukraine.

India, however, has pushed back strongly. The Ministry of External Affairs rejected Washington’s charge that Indian crude imports are financing Russia’s war machine, branding the US tariffs “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.” New Delhi vowed to take “all actions necessary to protect its national interests.”

Indian officials have also signaled defiance. “Indian companies will continue buying oil from wherever they get the best deal,” Vinay Kumar, India’s ambassador to Russia, said on Monday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi echoed that stance, declaring: “No matter how much pressure comes, we will keep increasing our strength to withstand it.”

Trump’s August 6 executive order cited “threats to the United States by the Government of the Russian Federation” as the rationale for tightening tariffs against India. The order effectively punishes a key strategic partner, opening a new front in the geopolitical contest over energy trade, sanctions, and the war in Ukraine.