Washington [US], August 7 (ANI): U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday hinted that more “secondary sanctions” could soon follow after his administration imposed an additional 25 percent tariff on Indian imports.
When asked why India was being singled out for these additional sanctions, especially when other countries like China are also buying Russian oil, Trump responded, “It’s only been 8 hours. So let’s see what happens. You’re going to see a lot more… You’re going to see so much secondary sanctions,” he told reporters during a White House press briefing.
Trump also suggested that similar actions could be taken against China. When asked whether his administration had plans to impose more tariffs on China, he replied, “Could happen. Depends on how we do. Could happen.”
On Wednesday, Trump signed an Executive Order mandating an additional 25 percent tariff on imports from India. The White House cited national security and foreign policy concerns as the basis for the decision, asserting that India’s imports of Russian oil, directly or indirectly, pose an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to the United States.
With this new measure, the total tariff on Indian goods will rise to 50 percent. The initial duty takes effect on August 7, while the additional 25 percent levy will be implemented after 21 days. It will apply to all Indian goods entering the U.S., with exceptions for goods already in transit or those qualifying under specific exemptions.
In response, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) called the U.S. decision “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable,” and asserted that India would take “all actions necessary to protect its national interests.”
“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,” the MEA said in an official statement.
“It is therefore extremely unfortunate that the U.S. should choose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest,” the statement added.
India reiterated its stance, emphasizing, “These actions are unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable. India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests.” (ANI)
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