Trump Imposes 50% Tariff on India, Citing Russian Oil and Ukraine War
U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed a 50% tariff on Indian imports, accusing New Delhi of indirectly prolonging the Russia-Ukraine war. The Trump administration claims India is funding Russia’s war efforts by purchasing discounted Russian crude oil. However, in a striking irony, India has quietly emerged as Ukraine’s biggest diesel supplier.
15% Diesel Supply in July
According to Ukrainian oil market analytics firm NaftoRynok, India accounted for 15.5% of Ukraine’s total diesel imports in July 2025 — the highest share among all suppliers. India delivered an average of 2,700 tons of diesel per day, making July one of the strongest export months for Indian refiners this year.
Between January and July 2025, India’s share of Ukraine’s diesel imports rose to 10.2%, compared to just 1.9% during the same period in 2024.
How Did Indian Diesel Reach Ukraine?
Most of India’s refined fuel reportedly reached Ukraine through Romania via the Danube route and through Turkey’s Opet terminal. Other major suppliers in July included Slovakia (15%), Greece (13.5%), Turkey (12.4%), and Lithuania (11.4%). However, India’s rapidly rising share has drawn global attention.
Analysts believe some of India’s diesel exports may have been refined from Russian crude oil, although official confirmation is yet to be released. The situation highlights a geopolitical paradox: while the U.S. penalizes India for buying Russian oil, the refined fuel from India is helping keep Ukrainian cities powered.
U.S.-India Trade Tensions Deepen
The development comes amid escalating trade tensions between Washington and New Delhi. On August 6, President Trump signed an executive order imposing an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports, raising total tariffs to 50%. Another 25% tariff came into effect on August 27.
Trump accused India of buying discounted Russian crude, branding both Russia and India as “Dead Economies.” U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also described India as “a bit recalcitrant.”
India, in response, called the tariffs “unfair, unjust, and unreasonable,” vowing to take necessary measures to protect its economic interests.
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