President Donald Trump announced Aug. 4 that the US will “substantially” raise tariffs on India over its continued purchase of Russian oil, accusing the country of financing and profiting from Russia’s war in Ukraine. 

On Truth Social, Trump claimed India is “buying massive amounts” of oil from Russia and “selling it on the Open Market for big profits.” 

According to Trump, “They don’t care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA.”

The announcement comes days after a 25% tariff on Indian goods took effect Aug. 1, targeting New Delhi’s continuous purchasing of Russian military equipment and energy, according to Reuters. Trump has also threatened to hike tariffs to 100% on imports from countries that continue buying Russian oil unless Moscow agrees to a peace deal. 

Under Trump’s “Liberation Day” trade policy, announced in April, India faced a 26% reciprocal tariff on top of a 10% baseline duty, set to take effect April 5. On April 9, Trump suspended country-specific surcharges for 90 days, temporarily reducing India’s tariff rate back to 10% until Aug. 1. 

According to the Times of India, the new tariffs will impact India’s exports to America, hitting sectors like apparel, pharmaceuticals, and gems and jewelry. 

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller echoed Trump’s accusations on FOX News’ “Sunday Morning Futures” Aug. 3, again claiming that India is enabling Russia’s military campaign. 

“People will be shocked to learn that India is basically tied with China in purchasing Russian oil.” Miller said. “That's an astonishing fact.”

Miller added that “all options are on the table, to deal diplomatically, financially, and otherwise” to pressure Russia into a peace deal with Ukraine. 

Despite growing pressure from the Trump administration, an Indian government source told Reuters Aug. 2 that India has no plans to stop buying Russian oil.