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After imposing double tariffs on India for its oil trade with Russia, President Trump was asked why India was being singled out while others, like China, were not. He gave a vague response, hinting at the possibility of more sanctions to come.
UPDATED: Aug 7, 2025 14:17 IST
In a dramatic escalation of trade tensions, US President Donald Trump imposed steep tariffs on Indian imports, taking aim at a "good friend" for continuing oil purchases from Russia. While New Delhi pushed back, pointing out that several other countries are also trading with Moscow, Trump appeared to single out India. When questioned about the apparent double standard, he dodged with a vague “8-hour” response, leaving more questions than answers.
Trump, who initially announced a 25% tariff plus penalties, doubled down on Wednesday by signing an executive order imposing an additional 25% tariff, bringing the total to 50% on certain Indian goods. The move, he claimed, was a response to India’s “big purchases of Russian oil.”
“India has not been a good trading partner,” Trump declared, accusing New Delhi of ignoring US concerns and pursuing energy deals with Moscow in defiance of Western pressure.
India, meanwhile, has remained unfazed, maintaining that its actions are in line with its national interest. India pointed out that the US itself buys from Russia.
When a journalist asked, “Indian officials have said that there are other countries that are buying Russian oil, like China, for instance. Why are you singling India out for these additional sanctions?”, Trump deflected with a warning.
"It's only been 8 hours. So let's see what happens. You're going to see a lot more... You're going to see so many secondary sanctions," he said, hinting at a wider crackdown on countries engaging in trade with Russia.
#WATCH | On being asked, 'Indian officials have said that there are other countries that are buying Russian oil, like China, for instance. Why are you singling India out for these additional sanctions', US President Donald Trump says, "It's only been 8 hours. So let's see what pic.twitter.com/YRNbR06ne8— ANI (@ANI) August 6, 2025
INDIA'S RESPONSE
The Centre reacted sharply to the move and called the tariffs "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable", and vowed to "take all actions necessary to protect its national interests". India also called out Washington's double standards in singling it out for Russian oil imports while continuing to buy Russian uranium hexafluoride, palladium and fertiliser.
On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated that India would put its interests first, even if that means paying a heavy price. The remark was see as a direct response to US President Donald Trump, who slapped a 50 per cent tariff on India for its continued purchases of Russian oil.
Speaking at the MS Swaminathan Centenary Conference, PM Modi made it clear that he would continue to stand by the country's farmers and bear the brunt of America's steepest tariffs.
"For us, the interest of our farmers is our top priority," the PM said. "India will never compromise on the interests of farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers. I know I will have to pay a heavy price for it personally, and I am ready for it. India is ready for it."
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Published By:
Priya Pareek
Published On:
Aug 7, 2025
