Abstract
The US has imposed punitive tariffs on India for its purchases of Russian oil at a reduced price. The 25% tax, in addition to a " reciprocal " customs duty of 25%, entered into force on 27 August 2025. The increased tariffs imposed on India are among the highest imposed by the US on any other country (on an equal footing with Brazil) and well above the 30% imposed on China and 15% imposed on the EU. The imposition of these tariffs will have a serious impact on relations between India and the United States, which have been experiencing a resurgence since the early 2000s. Both countries have invested in strengthening their strategic ties by entering into major agreements in the areas of defence, trade and investment, technology and energy security. The imposition of these tariffs could potentially wipe out all progress, goodwill, and confidence in India's US relations over decades.