New Delhi, Aug 7: In a dramatic escalation of trade tensions, US President Donald Trump has imposed a 50% tariff on Indian exports, citing New Delhi’s continued oil imports from Russia.

The move, announced via an executive order titled “Addressing Threats to the US by the Russian Federation,” has drawn sharp criticism from Indian officials who labelled it “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable”.

The tariff hike, which includes an additional 25% duty on top of an earlier 25% levy, targets key Indian exports such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, and auto parts. Analysts warn that this could reduce India’s GDP growth by 0.3 percentage points annually. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that India’s energy sourcing is driven by market pricing and supply security, not geopolitical pressure.

The decision has reignited concerns over Washington’s strategic consistency. While India faces punitive tariffs, countries like China and Turkey — who also import Russian oil — have not been similarly penalized. This perceived double standard has led to accusations of hypocrisy and coercion.

India’s foreign policy, rooted in strategic autonomy, has long resisted alignment with any singular power bloc. The country maintains defence ties with Russia, economic relations with China, and strategic cooperation with the US. Experts argue that Trump’s tariff move undermines this delicate balance and risks alienating a key partner in the Indo-Pacific.

The fallout could be significant. India may restrict US firms’ access to its tech sector, delay defence procurements, or seek alternate partners. With trade targets set at $500 billion and a 10-year defence roadmap signed in 2024, the stakes are high.

Moreover, India’s leadership in forums like the G20 and BRICS positions it as a voice for the Global South. Undermining ties with New Delhi could weaken Washington’s influence across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

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