Washington D.C., August 6, 2025: In a move that has sparked global debate, U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled a sharp increase in tariffs on Indian imports over New Delhi’s continued purchases of Russian oil. The announcement came even as Trump admitted he was unaware of Washington’s own ongoing trade with Moscow—particularly in uranium and fertilizers—highlighting the very double standards India has raised in its defense.
During a White House press conference, originally convened to discuss the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Trump responded to a question on India’s claim of unfair treatment by saying, “I don’t know anything about it. I have to check it out.” The statement referred to India’s criticism that while Washington threatens Delhi over its Russian oil imports, the U.S. continues to trade heavily with Moscow.
U.S. Imports from Russia Continue Despite Sanctions
Despite sanctions and repeated calls to isolate Moscow following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, U.S. trade data shows a different story. Since January 2022, the United States has imported $24.51 billion worth of Russian goods. In 2024 alone, U.S. imports included $1.27 billion in fertilizers, $624 million in uranium and plutonium, and $878 million in palladium—all vital commodities for energy and manufacturing sectors.
This ongoing trade has become a central point in India’s defense against Western criticism. Indian officials have argued that their energy purchases are being unfairly singled out while developed nations maintain significant trade ties with Russia.
Trump Threatens Steep Tariff Hike
On Tuesday, Trump hinted at increasing the current 25% tariff on Indian imports, stating it would be raised “very substantially” within the next 24 hours. He accused India of “fueling the war machine” through its Russian oil purchases.
“They’re fueling the war machine, and if they’re going to do that, then I’m not going to be happy,” Trump told CNBC. However, he stopped short of specifying the new tariff rate.
When asked about his earlier threat of a 100% tariff on countries that continue to import Russian energy, Trump clarified, “I never said a percentage, but we’ll be doing quite a bit of that. We’ll see what happens over the next fairly short period of time… We have a meeting with Russia tomorrow.”
Backlash from Within the U.S.
Trump’s tough talk has drawn sharp criticism from members of his own party. Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley slammed Trump for his selective pressure on India while offering a tariff reprieve to China.
“India should not be buying oil from Russia. But China, an adversary and the number one buyer of Russian and Iranian oil, got a 90-day tariff pause. Don’t give China a pass and burn a relationship with a strong ally like India,” Haley posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Haley emphasized that while China remains the top buyer of Russian and Iranian oil, it has faced fewer consequences under the Trump administration compared to strategic allies like India.
India Reacts to Western “Double Standards”
India has openly condemned what it describes as the West’s “hypocrisy” and double standards. As the world’s third-largest energy consumer, India has defended its right to diversify oil imports based on economic and strategic interests. Indian officials argue that energy security cannot be compromised under geopolitical pressure, especially when other major powers continue trade ties with Moscow.
What Lies Ahead
With Trump poised to raise tariffs imminently, trade tensions between the U.S. and India are expected to escalate. The lack of clarity around actual tariff numbers and the U.S.’s own import practices from Russia complicate the narrative. As Washington continues to engage with Moscow economically while targeting allies diplomatically, critics say the administration risks alienating vital partners in the Indo-Pacific.
Meanwhile, India’s foreign ministry is expected to issue a formal response later this week. With global supply chains already under strain and geopolitical alignments shifting, the fallout from this tariff row could extend far beyond Washington and New Delhi.
