On 27 August, US President Donald Trump’s decision to double tariffs on Indian imports to 50 percent took effect, including a 25 percent penalty linked to India’s Russian oil purchases. Exemptions apply to industries such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, refined petroleum fuels and products, books, and certain metals. Exporters fear the tariffs will hurt profit margins and slow shipments to the U.S. The Indian Commerce Ministry said it will take steps to safeguard exporters, but New Delhi has not yet announced any retaliatory measures. The move could put a significant strain on the U.S.-India bilateral relations.