US Labels India 'Tariff King,' Imposes 50% Tariff on Indian Products Over Russian Oil Imports

The United States has branded India the "Tariff King," escalating tensions with New Delhi by imposing a 50% tariff on Indian goods due to its continued imports of Russian oil. Peter Navarro, trade advisor to US President Donald Trump, accused India of engaging in a "profitable trade game" by purchasing Russian oil, a move he claims fuels Russia's war efforts in Ukraine.

According to a report by Indian media outlet NDTV on August 22, 2025, Navarro stated that the planned 50% tariff on Indian products will take effect next week. Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Navarro confirmed, "I see it going into effect," when asked if the additional 25% punitive tariff, set to begin on August 27, would proceed.

Navarro criticized India’s increased reliance on Russian oil, noting that prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, India imported negligible amounts of Russian oil—about 1%. "Now it’s up to 35%. India doesn’t need this oil. It’s a refining profit-sharing game—a kind of money laundering for the Kremlin," he alleged. The sharp rebuke comes as India has reaffirmed its commitment to continue purchasing Russian oil, despite the punitive tariffs. India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, responding to US criticism during a recent Moscow visit, expressed surprise at the US stance, stating that Washington had previously encouraged India to buy Russian oil to stabilize global energy markets. "We are a country that the Americans have been telling for years to do everything to stabilize the global energy market, including buying Russian oil," Jaishankar said. India significantly increased its Russian oil imports after Western sanctions, including a $60 per barrel price cap imposed by G7 nations in 2022, disrupted global supplies. The Trump administration argues that India’s purchases support Russia’s war financing, justifying the 50% tariff—one of the highest imposed on any US trading partner. Navarro dismissed India’s claim that Russian oil is essential for its energy security, stating, "Modi is a great leader, but please, India, look at your role in the world economy. You’re not working for peace; you’re prolonging the war." He further accused India of buying cheap Russian oil, refining it, and selling it at a premium in Europe, Africa, and Asia, describing it as "pure profiteering by India’s refining industry." According to Moscow-based consultancy Kasatkin Consulting, 37% of Russia’s total oil exports go to India. Navarro also claimed that India’s trade practices, including high tariffs and non-tariff barriers, harm American workers and businesses. "India is the Tariff King. High non-tariff barriers and massive trade deficits hurt American workers. The money India earns from trade with us is used to buy Russian oil, which is refined and then funds Russia’s weapons to kill Ukrainians," he said, adding that US taxpayers are forced to fund aid and weapons for Ukraine as a result. Tensions have further intensified as Navarro accused India of strengthening ties with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Despite China being the largest buyer of Russian oil, the US has not imposed similar tariffs on Beijing, raising questions about selective enforcement.

India’s foreign ministry called the tariffs "unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable," accusing the US of double standards, as other nations importing Russian oil have not faced similar penalties. The ministry emphasized that India’s oil purchases are driven by market factors and the energy needs of its 1.4 billion people