US President Donald Trump has increased the tariffs to be imposed on Indian imports to a total of 50%. This comes a day before many of Trump’s vaunted tariffs targeting various countries are due to come into effect.
Trump has escalated pressure on India to halt its oil imports from Russia and Iran. With trade talks at a standstill, the Trump administration is leveraging tariffs in an effort to reshape India’s energy and geopolitical alignments — moves that have strained the traditionally strong relationship between Washington and New Delhi, reports dw.com
Trump’s increasingly tough rhetoric — accusing India of funding Russia’s war in Ukraine —marks a significant departure from the personal warmth displayed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s February visit to the White House. He also hinted at further tariff hikes, intensifying the standoff.
India has pushed back firmly, calling the tariffs “unjustified and unreasonable”, and vowing to take all necessary measures to safeguard its national and economic interests.
Indian officials emphasize that decisions regarding relations with Russia and Iran reflect strategic autonomy, not defiance.
Experts note a deterioration in trust, with strategic analyst Commodore Uday Bhaskar labeling the U.S. approach as “intimidatory” and unilateral. Amitabh Mattoo of Jawaharlal Nehru University stated, “India will not be bullied by tariffs, tantrums, or threats,” underscoring that India’s foreign policy is guided by sovereign priorities, not pressure tactics.
Amid this tension, Trump has pursued closer relations with Pakistan, recently signing an oil development deal in exchange for lower tariffs — an act that further complicates India-U.S. dynamics.
India is currently the largest importer of Russian crude oil, with 35-40% of its oil imports now coming from Russia — up from 3% in 2021. India has also maintained limited trade with Iran, despite Western sanctions, further irritating U.S. policymakers.
The Indian government has reiterated that its historic ties with Russia are non-negotiable, and it will continue to act in accordance with its long-term energy and strategic goals.
Analysts such as Shanthie Mariet D’Souza and Ajay Bisaria caution against escalating confrontation. D’Souza warned that Trump’s hardline tactics risk alienating “a willing and trustworthy partner,” while Bisaria emphasized that India should “play the long game” by staying calm and negotiating.
Bisaria urged the U.S. to respect India’s red lines, particularly around energy security, and suggested that diplomacy could still deliver a breakthrough.
A U.S. delegation is expected in New Delhi later this month, raising hopes of reviving stalled trade talks — perhaps paving the way for Trump to return and sign a deal later this year.
