The United States has formally notified India that a 50% import tariff will be enforced starting August 27, reaffirming its stance of not compromising on the issue of trade duties. The notice was issued by the US Department of Homeland Security, amid ongoing global economic tensions heightened by the Russia–Ukraine conflict.
Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump announced plans to double tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 50%, setting August 27 as the deadline for implementation.
Reacting to the decision, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India would not bow to external pressure.
“Today, we all see policies based on economic selfishness in the world. India will stand firm against such protectionist measures and will prioritize the interests of its citizens,” Modi said.
India has consistently defended its decision to continue purchasing Russian oil, calling it vital for national energy security. Indian Ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar stressed that Indian companies will buy oil from sources offering the best price, reiterating that the earlier 25% duty imposed on India over Russian oil purchases was “unjustified.”
With the new 50% tariff now set to take effect, Indian authorities have indicated that steps will be taken to safeguard the country’s economic interests and protect its 1.4 billion people from potential fallout.