U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that the United States will impose a 25% tariff and fines on India starting August 1 over the country's purchase of Russian military equipment and energy.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that while India is considered a friend of the United States, trade relations have been limited due to India's high tariffs, which he described as "among the highest in the world."
The president also criticized India for imposing what he called "the most stringent and invidious non-monetary trade barriers of any country."
Trump singled out India's purchases of military equipment from Russia, calling it "the largest buyer of energy from Russia, tied with China." He linked the transactions to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, saying the purchases occurred "at a time when everyone wants Russia to stop the killing in Ukraine."
The new tariffs and related penalties will take effect on August 1, according to the president's proclamation.
"Accordingly, India will pay a 25% tariff, plus a penalty for the actions described above, effective August 1st. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Make America Great Again!" Trump wrote in his social media post.