On 06 August, US President Donald Trump imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods, raising the total tariff to 50%. This action was taken as a penalty for India’s continued import of Russian crude oil. Targeting Indian exports ranging from textiles to pharmaceuticals, the tariff takes effect in 21 days. The Indian government responded by calling the tariffs “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable,” and defended its oil imports as essential for national energy security, noting that other countries also continue to trade with Russia. As per experts, this sharp escalation could potentially strain strategic ties and derail stalled U.S.-India trade talks.