Overview

• On August 6 President Trump announced an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods, raising the total levy to 50% with the first tranche effective August 8 and the second slated for August 27.
• India’s Ministry of External Affairs condemned the duties as unfair and defended its decision to import Russian crude as a market-driven step to secure affordable energy.
• The US has paused bilateral trade talks until India halts Russian oil imports, deepening strains in the strategic partnership.
• New Delhi is preparing targeted retaliatory measures on key American exports to protect its national interests.
• In Colombo’s parliament, MP Harsha de Silva highlighted India’s over $5 billion in crisis aid and credit to Sri Lanka and urged respect for New Delhi’s stance.