India has strongly condemned the United States’ decision to impose additional tariffs on Indian imports, calling the move “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.” The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a firm statement on Wednesday, warning that New Delhi would take “all actions necessary to protect its national interests.”
The sharp response from India follows an Executive Order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday, which enacts an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods. The measure, citing national security and foreign policy concerns, specifically targets India’s continued oil imports from Russia — a move the White House claims poses “an unusual and extraordinary threat” to the United States.
In its official statement, the MEA rebuked the rationale behind the U.S. move, asserting that India’s energy imports are guided solely by market considerations and the imperative of ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion citizens.
“The United States has in recent days targeted India’s oil imports from Russia. We have already made clear our position on these issues, including the fact that our imports are based on market factors and done with the overall objective of ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people of India,” the MEA said.
“It is therefore extremely unfortunate that the US should choose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest,” the statement added.
The Executive Order raises the total tariff on Indian goods to 50%. The initial 25% tariff takes effect on August 7, while the additional 25% levy will be implemented 21 days later. Goods already in transit or those meeting specific exemption criteria will not be subject to the increased tariffs.
The White House has left room for future modifications to the order, depending on developments in India’s trade policies or actions taken by Russia. The U.S. administration maintains that the elevated tariffs are aligned with national emergency provisions under relevant trade and security laws.
India, however, sees the move as discriminatory and warns of potential retaliatory steps.
“We reiterate that these actions are unfair, unjustified and unreasonable,” the MEA emphasized. “India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests.”
The latest escalation adds fresh tension to an already complex U.S.-India relationship, especially at a time when global energy dynamics and geopolitical alliances are under intense scrutiny. Analysts suggest this development could prompt India to re-evaluate certain aspects of its trade strategy and bilateral engagement with Washington.
