The United States will levy punishing 25% tariffs plus penalties on Indian goods starting August 1, President Donald Trump announced on Thursday, escalating a bitter trade dispute fuelled by New Delhi continued purchases of Russian energy.
In a viral Truth Social post garnering 40.8k likes and 8.6k shares, Trump accused India of maintaining “the most strenuous and obnoxious” trade barriers while bankrolling Moscow war effort through oil deals.
“India has always bought most military equipment from Russia and is now Russia’s largest energy buyer alongside China,” Trump wrote, calling the partnerships unacceptable as Western nations pressure Moscow over Ukraine.
The tariffs mark a dramatic hardening against a strategic ally, with Trump acknowledging India as “our friend” but declaring “relatively little business” due to longstanding protectionist policies.
The move risks destabilizing U.S.-India relations at a critical juncture, with New Delhi relying on discounted Russian crude to offset soaring energy costs. Analysts warn the penalties could inflame global oil markets while complicating multinational efforts to isolate Russia.
Trump MAGA base cheered the announcement as strong-armed diplomacy, though trade experts question its timing amid fragile ceasefire talks in Eastern Europe.
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