Soon after imposing a 25% tariff along with a penalty for buying crude from Russia, Donald Trump has doubled the reciprocal tariffs on India to 50% now! Per the US Govt’s statement, “articles of India imported into the customs territory of the United States shall be subject to an additional ad valorem rate of duty of 25 percent.”
Responding to the additional tariffs, the Government of India stated
“The United States has in recent days targeted India’s oil imports from Russia.”
The Ministry of External Affairs of India further remarked that
“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.
Lambasting the American government of interfering with India’s sovereign right to cater to its over a billion citizens, the MEA statement further added,
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.”
Leader of Opposition (LoP) Shri Rahul Gandhi took a scathing dig at the US Govt over the 50% tariff imposition, dubbing it an “economic blackmail.” The Congress leader remarked,
“Trump’s 50% tariff is economic blackmail—an attempt to bully India into an unfair trade deal.”
He added,
“PM Modi better not let his weakness override the interests of the Indian people.”
US President Donald Trump imposes an additional 25% tariff on India over Russian oil purchases
On July 30, Trump had announced 25% tariffs on India. pic.twitter.com/NHUc9oh0JY
— ANI (@ANI) August 6, 2025
#USTariff #DonaldTrump pic.twitter.com/IJpwLODpPR
— NDTV (@ndtv) August 6, 2025
Indian seafood industry stares at Rs 24,000-crore loss as Trump doubles India tariffshttps://t.co/IFRDXKAuQS
— Economic Times (@EconomicTimes) August 6, 2025
Statement by Official Spokesperson⬇️
🔗 https://t.co/BNwLm9YmJc pic.twitter.com/DsvRvhd61D
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) August 6, 2025
Trump’s 50% tariff is economic blackmail – an attempt to bully India into an unfair trade deal.
PM Modi better not let his weakness override the interests of the Indian people.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 6, 2025
Reactions poured in with prominent Indian citizens including industrialists, techpreneurs, and others, opining on Trump’s 50% tariff, while others dropped hilarious memes.
Hotmail’s co-founder Sabeer Bhatia wrote on X/Twitter suggesting India should play defensive rather than offensive.
“Trump just raised tariffs on Indian goods to 50%. India should seize the moment—slash tariffs on US goods to 0%. Yes, zero. It would be the boldest move for the Indian economy—driving competition, innovation, and growth. Time to think smart, not react small.”
Meanwhile, industrialist Anand Mahindra suggested twofold steps to counter the tariffs.
“1. Radically Improve Ease of Doing Business; and 2. Unleash the Power of Tourism as a Forex Engine.”
Trump just raised tariffs on Indian goods to 50%. India should seize the moment – slash tariffs on US goods to 0%. Yes, zero. It would be the boldest move for the Indian economy – driving competition, innovation, and growth. Time to think smart, not react small.
— Sabeer Bhatia (@sabeer) August 6, 2025
Two examples:
The EU may appear to have accepted the evolving global tariff regime, responding with its own strategic adjustments. Yet the friction has… pic.twitter.com/D5lRe5OWUa
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) August 6, 2025
Donald Trump’s ‘substantial tariff’ plan for India! #TrumpTariffs pic.twitter.com/6QCcFqt4pU
— Satish Acharya (@satishacharya) August 6, 2025
Tariff to bahana hai Epstein List ko chupana hai pic.twitter.com/Sn9JONxpI6
— Oxygen 💨 (@WhateverVishal) August 6, 2025
Where is this guy please pic.twitter.com/VmrmNuYy4H
— Komal (@Komal_Indian) August 6, 2025
#TrumpTariff pic.twitter.com/5eA3lN4Cn1
— Ashish Bagchi (@BagchiAsh) August 6, 2025
https://x.com/suneet7954/status/1953133253461991580
Kuch nhi bas raste mein tariffpaglu mil gaya, ab additional 25% ke sath 50% tariff de rahi hu. #TrumpTariff pic.twitter.com/MDePHH9wjh
— Ulfat 🦋 (@ulffat__) August 6, 2025
After additional 25% additional tariffs total LAGAAN is now 50%
It’s high time we challenged US with a cricket match and proved a point #TrumpTariff pic.twitter.com/c8UE2wrMEN
— old monk (@sumanmitra4) August 6, 2025
Trump after watching Lagaan once
💬Impressed by British tax policy… implementing it immediately!’
🧾 Dugna Lagaan = 50% Tariff 😅#LagaanMeme #TrumpTariff #IndiaUS #TradeWars #DugnaLagaan #MAGA pic.twitter.com/8YhswPit06
— Chirag jani (@JaniChiragjani) August 7, 2025