America has announced plans to impose a 50 percent tariff on goods imported from India. This is the same tariff that US President Donald Trump has already announced.
The US Department of Homeland Security issued a draft notice outlining this. This step is being taken when efforts to reach a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine seem to be stalling.
The notice clearly states that this increased tariff will be applicable on those products from India which will be imported for consumption or removed from the warehouse after 12:01 am (Eastern Daylight Time) on August 27, 2025.
Trump had earlier this month announced to increase tariffs on Indian goods from 25 per cent to 50 per cent, which is being imposed for buying oil from Russia. This deadline of the US is ending on August 27.
America’s aim through this tariff is to put pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin so that he comes to the negotiating table to end the ongoing war against Ukraine.
The US is trying to stop Russia’s oil trade and this tariff on India is part of that strategy. But India has called these so-called secondary tariffs unjust and has announced to strongly protect its interests.
The Indian government has made it clear that it will not compromise on its national interests. Foreign Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday strongly defended India’s energy options.
He said India was being targeted for buying oil from Russia, while no such criticism was levelled at big importers like China and European countries. Jaishankar called it a misrepresentation of the issue as an “oil dispute” and emphasised India’s strategic autonomy.
The interests of farmers and small businessmen come first
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday took a tough stand against the US tariffs. Addressing a gathering in Ahmedabad, he said, “For Modi, the interests of farmers, livestock farmers and small industries are paramount. Pressure may increase on us, but we will endure every difficulty.”
He made this statement during the inauguration of several civic projects in the city. In his statement, PM Modi referred to Lord Krishna and Mahatma Gandhi and said that India is empowered by the power of ‘Chakradhari’ Shri Krishna and ‘Charkhadhari’ Mahatma Gandhi. He gave the message that India will not bow down to any pressure to protect its interests.
Jaishankar replied to America
Foreign Minister S Jaishankar also expressed his views on this issue candidly. He said that India will continue to take decisions based on its energy policies and national interests.
Jaishankar stressed that it is wrong to blame India for buying oil from Russia because other big countries are doing the same but no questions are being raised on them. Underlining India’s strategic independence, he said that the country will not compromise on its interests.
