Trump’s 50% India tariffs: Full timeline of trade tensions and US-India relations
Donald Trump said Monday that he had agreed on a new trade deal with India and that New Delhi agreed to curb its purchases of Russian oil and increase energy imports from the United States and potentially Venezuela.
Trump’s 50% India tariffs: US President Donald Trump said Monday that he had agreed on a new trade deal with India and that New Delhi agreed to curb its purchases of Russian oil and increase energy imports from the United States and potentially Venezuela. The announcement comes after months of escalating trade sanctions, triggered by Washington’s dissatisfaction with India’s energy sourcing and broader trade imbalance.
The tariff dispute dates back to early 2025, when the Trump administration, pursuing a tough trade agenda, launched a series of tariffs under what it called “reciprocal tariff” policies aimed at reducing the US trade deficit with major partners. However, the primary trigger for punitive duties on Indian exports was New Delhi’s continued import of discounted Russian crude oil, which the Biden administration and later Trump argued helped fund Moscow’s war in Ukraine and undermined Western sanctions.
Despite several rounds of talks, disagreements persisted through 2025, with Trump repeatedly warning that tariffs could rise further unless India cut Russian oil purchases. The situation pushed US–India relations to one of their lowest points in years, with Indian officials calling the tariffs “unfair and unjustified” and defending their energy policy as aligned with national interests.
The impasse eventually opened the door to a deal in early 2026, with tariffs being reduced as part of a broader agreement on trade and energy cooperation.
TIMELINE: India–US tariff since Trump imposed duties on India
The timeline of events since Donald Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods being shipped to the US. (AI-generated graphic)
April 2, 2025 — The US imposed a 26% “reciprocal tariff” on several Indian imports under Trump’s global tariff campaign.
April 10, 2025 — Trump paused the tariffs for 90 days but maintained a 10% duty on all US imports.
July 31, 2025 — Trump announced a 25% tariff on all Indian goods and warned of additional penalties if India continued buying Russian oil.
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August 7, 2025 — Trump boosted tariffs to 50% on Indian goods shipped to the US, citing India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. The tariff on Indian goods became the highest among US trade partners.
Feb 2, 2026 — Trump announced that the U.S. and India had agreed on a trade deal, with India agreeing to halt most Russian oil imports and increase purchases from the US and potentially Venezuela. As part of the deal, tariffs on Indian goods were reduced from 25% to 18%.
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The timeline of events since Donald Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods being shipped to the US. (AI-generated graphic)
