The United States has doubled tariffs on a wide range of imports from India to 50 percent, escalating trade tensions between Washington and New Delhi. The move, announced by President Donald Trump, comes as part of his pledge to penalize India for purchasing discounted Russian oil. The new duties took effect on Wednesday.
The sharp tariff increase poses a major threat to India’s economy, particularly its export sector. The US is India’s largest trading partner, accounting for more than $87 billion worth of Indian exports in 2024 alone. According to Indian government estimates, over $48 billion worth of goods are directly impacted by the new tariffs.
Officials in New Delhi have condemned the decision, calling it “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.” They warned that the measures could render many Indian exports commercially unviable, potentially triggering widespread job losses and slowing growth in the world’s fifth-largest economy.
The new tariffs follow an earlier round of 25 percent duties imposed on Indian goods by Washington earlier this month, part of a broader wave of protectionist measures targeting both allies and rivals since Trump’s return to the White House.
Trade analysts caution that the escalation could lead to strained relations between the two countries, with ripple effects across global supply chains. India has not yet announced any retaliatory measures, but officials say options are being considered to safeguard key industries.
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