U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that India is buying a huge amount of crude oil from Russia and then selling most of it at high prices in the international market, reaping large profits. He accused India of showing indifference to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, alleging that India does not care about the lives lost due to the Russian war machine in Ukraine.
On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump posted that India is not only buying a considerable amount of oil from Russia but is also making substantial profits by selling it in the international market. He expressed no concern over the Russian war machine causing many casualties in Ukraine and therefore announced a significant increase in tariffs imposed by India on the U.S.
Trump Imposes 25% Tariff on India
Trump had announced a 25% tariff on India last week, which was supposed to take effect on August 1. However, it has now been postponed by a week. According to new directives from the U.S., this tariff will be imposed on India, Bangladesh, Brazil, and other countries effective from August 7, 2025.
India's Reaction to the Tariffs
On Trump's tariff announcement, India responded directly and without retaliation, asserting that every possible action will be taken in the country's interest. A government official stated that the response to the U.S. tariffs will be addressed at the negotiation table. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister Piyush Goyal indicated discussions involve tariffs ranging from 10% to 15% and assured that actions in the country's interest will be undertaken.
Why is the U.S. Annoyed with India?
Recently, U.S. Secretary of State Mark Rubio indicated that India's purchase of Russian oil helps Russia continue its war in Ukraine, which has certainly been a cause of frustration in India-U.S. relations. Rubio mentioned the U.S. President's anger over India continuously buying oil from Russia when it has numerous other choices, inadvertently aiding Russia financially in its war against Ukraine.
Rubio pointed out that India's energy needs—comprising oil, coal, and gas—are massive and essential for its economic operation, leading it to purchase from Russia due to the sanctions on Russian oil, making it more affordable. Sometimes, the prices offered are below the global rate. Unfortunately, this indirectly assists Russia in its war efforts.
