Trump signs order imposing additional 25-pct tariff on Indian goods

NEW YORK-- US President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order imposing an additional 25-percent tariff on imports from India in response to the country's purchases of Russian oil, according to a White House statement.

The order, effective 21 days after the announcement, will bring the combined tariffs imposed by the United States on Indian goods to 50 percent.

Trump on Monday threatened to "substantially" raise tariffs on goods imported from India, citing India's purchases of Russian oil.

India's Ministry of External Affairs responded to Trump's threat with a statement saying that "the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable" and that India's oil imports are meant to "ensure predictable and affordable energy costs" for Indian consumers.

India began importing from Russia because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and "the United States at that time actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening global energy markets stability," said the statement.

On July 29, Trump set a 10-day deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire with Ukraine. The latest punitive tariff on Indian goods is seen as part of the U.S. pressure campaign targeting Russia.