WASHINGTON/NEW DELHI– The United States will impose steep new tariffs on Indian imports beginning August 27, raising duties to as high as 50 percent in response to New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that the measures will take effect from “12:01 am Eastern Daylight Time on 27 August as per their latest draft notice.” The additional 25 percent duty, layered on top of existing rates, will apply to a broad range of Indian products entering the American market.
According to the DHS draft notice, the policy stems from efforts to counter “threats to the United States by the government of Russian Federation.” The document stated: “The duties set out in the Annex to this document are effective with respect to products of India that are entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 am Eastern Daylight Time on August 27, 2025.”
It further referenced Executive Order 14066, which banned imports into the United States of Russian-origin crude oil, petroleum, fuels, and related products. “To address that unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States, Executive Order 14066 prohibited, among other things, the importation into the United States of certain products of Russian Federation origin, including crude oil; petroleum; and petroleum fuels, oils, and products of their distillation,” the notice read.
Former President Donald Trump said the tariffs were directly linked to India’s oil purchases from Moscow, arguing such trade helps fund Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The move has rattled Indian markets. Sensex and Nifty both slipped at Tuesday’s opening as investors reacted to the prospect of punitive trade measures and their potential impact on key export sectors. (Source: IANS)
