Washington, D.C.- In a significant escalation of economic measures tied to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, U.S. President Donald J. Trump has signed an executive order imposing a 25% ad valorem tariff on all imports from India. The decision comes as a direct response to India’s continued purchase of Russian crude oil, which the White House says undermines U.S. national security and global sanctions meant to isolate Moscow.
The executive order, issued from the White House on August 6, 2025, cites the authority vested in the President by several federal statutes, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the National Emergencies Act. It builds on the framework established by Executive Order 14066 in 2022, which banned the import of Russian energy products into the U.S. in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
According to the text of the new order, President Trump has determined that India, by continuing to import Russian oil — either directly or indirectly — is contributing to the funding of the Russian Federation’s harmful activities in Ukraine. The President declared that India’s actions pose an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to the national security and foreign policy of the United States, justifying the imposition of the new tariffs.
Effective 21 days from the signing of the order, the 25% tariff will be levied on all Indian-origin goods entering U.S. customs territory, unless the shipments were already in transit before the enforcement deadline. Goods arriving before 12:01 a.m. EDT on September 17, 2025, that meet specific shipping and customs conditions may be exempt.
The executive order outlines that this new duty is in addition to all existing tariffs, taxes, and charges on Indian imports unless specific exceptions apply under U.S. trade law. Products already listed in the April 2025 Executive Order 14257 — concerning reciprocal tariffs — or exempted under national security clauses will not be subject to the additional 25% rate.
Trump’s order also clarifies that even goods brought into U.S. foreign trade zones must now be classified under “privileged foreign status,” further closing loopholes for importers seeking to avoid the new duties.
In addition to enforcement, the order empowers the Secretary of Commerce, in coordination with the Secretaries of State and Treasury, to monitor oil trade activities of other countries. If it is found that any other nation is also continuing to purchase Russian oil, similar tariffs or economic penalties may be recommended.
The White House defended the move as necessary to strengthen the effectiveness of ongoing sanctions against Russia and to penalize nations that are “indirectly supporting” its war effort. It also sends a clear message to global partners that the United States expects full alignment on critical foreign policy issues, particularly when they involve armed aggression and violations of international sovereignty.
While no official response has yet come from New Delhi, diplomatic and trade experts are warning of possible retaliatory actions from India, a key U.S. strategic and economic partner in the Indo-Pacific. The timing of this move could complicate ongoing trade discussions and military cooperation between the two countries.
President Trump, however, signaled readiness to modify or expand the order based on evolving diplomatic responses or actions taken by India or Russia. He also left room for reversing the tariffs if India makes significant changes to its oil import practices and aligns with U.S. sanctions policy.
The order concluded with directives for various U.S. agencies — including the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection — to enforce the new tariffs, adjust the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, and ensure complete compliance at all ports of entry.
