Trump aide calls India 'maharaja of tariffs', backs 25% as security measure

UPDATED: Aug 9, 2025 00:40 IST

White House Trade Adviser Peter Navarro has defended the US administration’s decision to impose an additional 25 per cent duty on Indian imports, calling it a matter of “national security” and accusing India of being the “maharaja of tariffs.” The move comes in response to New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil, which Navarro claims indirectly funds Moscow’s military aggression in Ukraine.

Last week, US President Donald Trump announced 25 per cent reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods, which took effect on August 7. On Wednesday, he followed up with an executive order imposing an additional 25 per cent levy, effective August 27, bringing the total duties on Indian imports to 50 per cent — one of the highest ever imposed by the United States on any country.

Navarro emphasised that the rationale behind the latest tariff hike differs from typical trade retaliation. “This was a pure national security issue,” he said during a briefing at the White House. “India’s abject refusal to stop buying Russian oil is directly enabling the Russian war machine.”

He laid out what he called the “math” of the issue: “The US sends billions of dollars to India for goods under an unfair trade environment. India then uses those American dollars to buy Russian oil. Russia uses that money to fund its military operations against Ukraine. In turn, American taxpayers have to foot the bill to help defend Ukraine. That math simply doesn’t work.”

Navarro also criticised India’s high tariffs and non-tariff barriers on American products, labelling India as the "maharaja of tariffs." “India has some of the highest tariffs in the world, making it extremely difficult for US businesses to access the Indian market,” he said.

When asked why similar measures have not been taken against China, despite it being a larger buyer of Russian oil, Navarro responded, “We already have over 50% tariffs on China. We’re mindful not to hurt our own interests. As the president says, let’s see what happens.”

Homeland Security Adviser Stephen Miller echoed the sentiment, saying India’s oil purchases significantly contribute to funding Russia’s military. “India is one of the largest purchasers of Russian oil and could easily turn to alternative markets,” he said.

In response, India’s Ministry of External Affairs strongly pushed back, calling the US action “unjustified and unreasonable.” It reiterated that India would prioritise its national interests. “Like any major economy, India will take all necessary steps to safeguard its economic security,” the ministry stated.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the issue, emphasised India’s commitment to protecting its domestic sectors. “For us, the interest of our farmers is our top priority. India will never compromise on the interests of farmers, fishermen, and dairy producers,” he said.

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