US threatens secondary sanctions on India
US President Donald Trump has warned of imposing more sanctions on India. While answering questions from reporters on Wednesday night, he said,
“It has been only 8 hours. There is still a lot to happen. A lot of secondary sanctions are going to come.”
He gave this answer to a question about imposing 25% extra tariff on India. The US President was asked why America singled out only on India, while other countries like China are also buying oil from Russia.
The total US tariff on India has now become 50%. The US President increased the tariff by 25% by signing the executive order on Wednesday. The increased tariff will be applicable from August 27, 2025.
‘25% tariff has been imposed on India from today. It has been said in the executive order that this action has been taken on India due to the purchase of Russian oil.’
What are secondary sanctions?
These are sanctions that are not imposed directly on a country, but due to its trade relations with a third country. That is, instead of directly targeting India, the US can tighten its grip on companies and banks that are involved in buying oil from Russia.
India has continued to buy cheap crude oil from Russia despite the Russia-Ukraine war. The US has been pressuring India for this decision for a long time. However, India has always maintained that its energy needs are linked to its national interest.
Ministry of External Affairs said – US actions are unfair and unjustified
Indian Ministry of External Affairs has called this action wrong. The ministry issued a statement on Wednesday night saying-
“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. 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.
We reiterate that these actions are unfair, unjustified and unreasonable. India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests.”
