U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports in retaliation for New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil. This move raises total tariffs on India to 50%, making it the highest among major U.S. trading partners.

India strongly criticized the move, calling it “extremely unfortunate” and vowed to take necessary steps to protect its national interest. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that several other countries, including U.S. allies in Europe, also conduct significant business with Russia.

Trump’s executive order cited India’s large-scale Russian oil imports—which account for 70% of Russia’s total oil exports—as indirectly fueling Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine. He accused India of re-exporting refined products from Russian crude for profit, stating that it was “pumping cash into Moscow.”

While India defends its oil imports as a matter of energy security for its 1.4 billion citizens, the new tariffs could strain bilateral relations. The order takes effect in 21 days, but Trump hinted at lifting it if India halts its oil trade with Russia or if a ceasefire is reached in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow in a three-hour meeting aimed at de-escalation. Kremlin officials described the talks as constructive, signaling possible diplomatic openings.

Critics like Nikki Haley slammed Trump’s selective targeting of India while giving China a 90-day tariff pause despite its status as Russia’s top oil buyer. She warned that the decision could damage U.S.-India ties.

With the clock ticking, the 21-day window offers a critical period for negotiation—or further escalation.