US Imposes New Tariffs on Indian Goods

Former US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday, introducing an additional 25% tariff on various goods imported from India. The rationale behind this decision is attributed to India’s direct or indirect importation of Russian oil. This new levy supplements the existing 25% tariffs previously declared.

This development occurred a day after Trump indicated his intention to elevate tariffs on imports from India within a 24-hour period, citing India’s persistent procurement of Russian oil as the reason.

The tariff is scheduled to take effect in approximately three weeks and will be applied in addition to a separate 25% tariff that is slated to be implemented on Thursday. Exemptions are in place for items already subject to specific sector-based duties, such as steel and aluminum, as well as categories like pharmaceuticals that could potentially be impacted.

This action carries the potential to further strain relations between the US and India. It surfaces shortly after an Indian government source revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit China later this month, marking his first trip there in over seven years.

US-India relations are currently experiencing a significant period of tension, triggered by unsuccessful talks aimed at achieving a trade agreement.

The White House initiative, initially hinted at by Trump on Monday, follows meetings involving Steve Witkoff, a top diplomatic envoy, in Moscow. These meetings aimed to encourage Russia to seek a peaceful resolution in Ukraine.

Trump has previously threatened to impose higher tariffs on Russia and secondary sanctions on its allies if Russian President Vladimir Putin does not take steps to end the conflict in Ukraine.