India has strongly criticised the US government’s decision to impose a 50% tariff on Indian goods. The new move came after US President Donald Trump accused India of buying oil from Russia and helping its economy during the Ukraine war.

Trump announced an extra 25% tariff on Indian imports, raising the total trade levy to 50%. The order was signed on Wednesday and will come into effect on August 27, 21 days after the announcement.

Reacting to this, India said the step was unfair and disappointing. "We reiterate that these actions are unfair, unjustified and unreasonable. India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests," said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement.

The MEA also said that India's oil purchases are based on market needs and energy security for its large population. "The United States has in recent days targeted India’s oil imports from Russia. We have already made clear our position on these issues, including the fact that our imports are based on market factors and done with the overall objective of ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people of India."

India added that other countries are also buying oil from Russia, including the United States and the European Union, so targeting India alone is unfair. "It is therefore extremely unfortunate that the US should choose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest."

Trump says India is helping Russia; Kremlin supports India

In his executive order, President Trump said India was importing Russian oil either directly or indirectly, which, according to him, helps fund Russia's war against Ukraine. He accused India of doing this for profit.

"They don’t care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian war machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the tariff paid by India to the USA. Thank you for your attention to this matter!!!"

Trump also warned that if anyone tried to retaliate, he might change the order to make sure his action works. "If anyone retaliated against the US in response to this action, he 'may modify this order to ensure the efficacy of the actions herein ordered.'

Meanwhile, Russia came out in support of India, saying the US pressure is unfair. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, "We hear many statements that are in fact threats, attempts to force countries to cut trade relations with Russia. We do not consider such statements to be legal."

Earlier this year, Trump had also announced tariffs during Prime Minister Modi's visit to the US. Although those were paused for 90 days, no trade deal was signed. Now, the US has gone ahead with new tariffs.

India has said it will not give in to such pressure and will continue to act in its own national interest.

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