India faces a tariff threat as U.S. President Donald Trump refuses to clarify whether a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine conflict could lift the hefty 50% tariffs slapped on Indian exports. Speaking at a White House event with Apple CEO Tim Cook on August 6, 2025, Trump sidestepped questions about easing the tariffs, saying, “We’ll determine that later, but right now, they’re paying a 50% tariff.” The tariffs, targeting India’s trade in arms and energy with Russia, have sparked fears of strained ties between New Delhi and Washington.
External Affair Minister on Tariff Threat
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has called the tariffs “unjustified and unreasonable,” pointing out that the U.S. once encouraged India to buy Russian oil to stabilize global energy markets. “Our imports ensure affordable energy for 1.4 billion people,” a ministry spokesperson said, highlighting the human cost of potential trade disruptions. Posts on X reflect India’s frustration, with users like @ItsShubhangi noting that India negotiated in good faith, only to face punitive measures targeting key sectors like textiles and auto parts.
$129 Billion Dollars on Stake
The tariffs, which include a 25% base rate plus an additional penalty, hit India’s $129 billion export market to the U.S., threatening jobs and economic stability. Meanwhile, Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff held “productive” talks in Moscow, but no ceasefire has emerged, leaving India in a precarious spot. As New Delhi vows to protect its interests, the uncertainty weighs heavily on Indian families reliant on export-driven industries.
With India-US trade at a crossroads, the world watches to see if diplomacy can ease this economic burden.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, August 7th, 2025
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