Trump Slaps 25% Tariff on Indian Imports Over Continued Russian Oil Purchases

Washington, D.C., August 6, 2025 — In a bold escalation of U.S. economic pressure tied to the ongoing Ukraine conflict, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order today imposing a 25% tariff on all imports from India. The move comes in direct response to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, which the administration has deemed a threat to U.S. national security and foreign policy interests.

The executive order cites authority from the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the National Emergencies Act, asserting that India’s direct and indirect imports of Russian crude oil violate the spirit of sanctions previously placed on Russia following its aggression against Ukraine.

This tariff, set to take effect 21 days from the date of the order, will apply to all Indian goods entering U.S. customs territory unless they are already en route before the deadline. Products arriving before September 17, 2025, may be exempt if they meet specific shipping and customs criteria.

The measure stems from the continuation of the national emergency declared in Executive Order 14066, which prohibited the import of Russian-origin energy products. Trump’s latest directive broadens the scope, targeting not just Russia but countries engaging with it economically, specifically through oil transactions.

The White House explained that India’s actions, whether direct purchases or through third-party intermediaries, undermine U.S. sanctions. The executive order explicitly defines “indirect imports” as any Russian oil routed through other countries before reaching India.

The new tariff will be added on top of existing duties unless exceptions apply under other trade laws or agreements. It does not apply to goods listed under prior reciprocal tariff agreements or those already granted domestic status under U.S. customs law.

The Secretary of Commerce will collaborate with other departments to monitor oil imports from other nations and may recommend similar penalties if they are found violating the sanctions regime. The order also allows the President to modify or expand its scope in response to retaliation or diplomatic shifts.

While India has yet to issue a formal response, trade analysts warn this move could further strain bilateral economic ties and trigger reciprocal measures. The Trump administration maintains that the tariff is necessary to compel compliance with the global effort to isolate Russia economically and to protect U.S. strategic interests.