The Department of Homeland Security published a draft notice confirming that Washington would implement a 50 percent tariff on imports from India. The move follows President Donald Trump’s earlier announcement of doubling levies from 25 percent to 50 percent.
The notice stated that the tariffs would apply to Indian goods “that are entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 AM eastern daylight time on August 27, 2025.”
Link to Russia-Ukraine War
The White House plans to push forward with the higher tariffs even as efforts to strike a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine remain stuck. Washington hopes the tariff strategy will pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin by restricting Moscow’s oil trade, which has increasingly found buyers in India.
However, New Delhi has rejected the so-called secondary sanctions as unfair. Indian officials have repeatedly defended the country’s right to secure affordable energy and safeguard its economy.
PM Modi Stands Firm on India’s Interests
Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded on Monday with a strong message to Washington. Speaking in Ahmedabad, he said India would not compromise on the welfare of its farmers and small businesses.
“For Modi, interests of farmers, cattle rearers and small-scale industries are paramount. The pressure on us may increase, but we will bear it all,” Modi told a public gathering while inaugurating several civic projects.
He also drew inspiration from history, saying that India is empowered by both ‘Chakradhaari’ Lord Krishna and ‘Charkhadhari’ Mahatma Gandhi.
India Defends Its Energy Policy
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also backed India’s stance. Speaking on Saturday, he insisted that New Delhi would continue to make choices based on national interest and strategic autonomy.
Jaishankar rejected the framing of the issue as an “oil dispute.” He argued that criticism directed at India for buying Russian energy overlooked larger importers. “The same criticism levelled at India for purchasing Russian energy had not been applied to bigger buyers like China and European nations,” he said.