Overview

• The doubled duties took effect on August 27, lifting overall rates to 50% on many Indian goods with roughly two‑thirds of exports to the U.S., worth over $60 billion annually, now in the tariff net.
• White House trade adviser Peter Navarro branded the Ukraine conflict “Modi’s war” and called India an “oil money laundromat,” suggesting a 25% tariff reduction if New Delhi halts Russian oil purchases.
• Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent accused Indian business interests of reaping about $16 billion in excess profits from discounted Russian crude refined and resold as products.
• India condemned the move as unfair and said formal talks can resume once the tariff dispute is addressed, while officials weigh liquidity support and other relief for affected exporters.
• Exporters report canceled orders, production pauses and looming layoffs in textiles, garments, gems and seafood, as analysts question why China, a larger buyer of Russian oil, has been spared given its rare‑earth leverage and a tariff truce.