US President Donald Trump has escalated global trade tensions by announcing an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods on August 6, 2025. This increase comes on top of an existing 25% tariff. Trump claims this move is in response to India’s purchase of crude oil and military equipment from Russia.
It appears he is determined to punish any country that refuses to blindly support his erratic policies. However, India has firmly but diplomatically made it clear that it will not compromise on its national interests. Coincidentally, India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval was visiting Russia at the time of this announcement, underscoring India’s strategic autonomy and diplomatic balance—a reminder to the US that India is no pushover.
India’s Strong Diplomatic Response to Baseless Allegations
The US, particularly President Trump, has never been a reliable ally, nor can it be. India has diplomatically signaled that it will not sacrifice its long-standing friendship with Russia for Trump’s whims. (This could potentially render the Quad irrelevant in the future!) Trump now insists that India’s increased trade with Russia amounts to economic support for Russia in the Ukraine war.
This is a classic case of the pot calling the kettle black. The world knows the US is backing Ukraine. But since Russia has thwarted Trump’s attempts to play peacemaker, he is taking out his frustration by twisting India’s arm. Doval’s Moscow visit (previously scheduled) gains even more significance in this context, as it focuses on India-Russia defense cooperation and energy supply. This trip reinforces India’s independent foreign policy, which rejects alignment with any single power bloc.
Trump claims India imposes the highest tariffs on US goods, creating a trade imbalance. He ignores the fact that this claim is baseless. India’s Foreign Ministry has dismissed Trump’s allegations as unjust, stating that India’s oil imports from Russia are essential for national interests and consumer needs—just as many Western nations, including the US, continue trading with Russia. Yet, Trump persists in spreading lies with audacity, as if falsehoods are the new foundation of global order.
India’s Strategy: Self-Reliance and Global Balance
Ultimately, Trump’s decision to impose double tariffs on India is unfair, unjust, and irrational—and may prove self-destructive for the US in the long run. Meanwhile, Doval’s Moscow visit will strengthen India’s strategic partnership with Russia, countering US pressure.
India should raise this tariff
