Overview

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection implemented Executive Order 14329 on August 27, lifting duties on Indian-origin goods to 50% with limited carve-outs and in‑transit allowances.
• Top advisers Kevin Hassett and Peter Navarro escalated public pressure, with Hassett warning the U.S. will not relent unless India stops buying Russian crude and Navarro labeling the Ukraine conflict “Modi’s war.”
• New Delhi condemned the move as unfair and unreasonable, signaled no change to Russian oil purchases that supply a large share of its needs, and exporters reported cancellations and strain in sectors like textiles, gems, seafood, leather and furniture.
• House Foreign Affairs Committee Democrats said the policy singles out India while sparing larger Russian oil buyers such as China, arguing it hurts U.S. consumers and sabotages ties with a key partner.
• Reports that U.S. officials discussed energy incentives with Moscow as part of Ukraine diplomacy complicate the tariff rationale, and India is engaging China more closely with Modi set to attend the SCO summit in Beijing this weekend.