US Tariffs on Indian Goods Raised to 50% Over Russian Oil; India Defends Energy Policy

New Delhi, August 26, (OT WebDesk) — The United States has formally issued a draft notice to double tariffs on Indian imports, raising duties from 25% to 50% effective August 27.

The move, announced by President Donald Trump, targets India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, which Washington claims undermines global pressure on Moscow to end the war in Ukraine.

The White House hopes the steep tariffs will curb Russia’s energy trade by penalizing countries that maintain economic ties. India, however, has condemned the action as “secondary sanctions,” asserting its sovereign right to pursue energy policies based on national interest.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking in Ahmedabad, vowed not to compromise on the interests of farmers, cattle rearers, and small businesses. “The pressure on us may increase, but we will bear it all.

For us, the interests of our people are paramount,” he said, invoking Lord Krishna and Mahatma Gandhi as symbols of resilience.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar echoed the sentiment, stating that India’s stance was being misrepresented. “This is not an oil dispute.

Larger importers, including China and European nations, are not being held to the same standards,” he said, reaffirming India’s commitment to strategic autonomy.

The tariff escalation marks a new flashpoint in India-US relations, raising concerns over trade disruptions and geopolitical friction.