Trump imposes 50% tariff on India as punishment for buying Russian oil

Donald Trump imposed 50% tariffs on most US imports from India, making good on a threat to punish one of the world’s largest economies over its purchases of discounted Russian oil.

The tariffs, which came into effect just after midnight on Wednesday in Washington, risk inflicting significant damage on the Indian economy and further disrupting global supply chains.

US tariffs of 25% on Indian goods went into force earlier this month, but Trump announced plans to double the rate, citing New Delhi’s purchases of Russian oil, which the White House has argued is indirectly funding Russia’s war against Ukraine.

The US president has significantly increased US tariffs on goods from much of the world since reentering the White House in January, straining relations with economies of allies and rivals and fueling fears of higher inflation.