India-US Tariff War / Why did Trump impose 50 percent tariff on India, White House reveals

India-US Tariff War: The US first imposed a 25 percent tariff on India and then imposed an additional 25 percent tariff, taking the total US tariff on India to 50 percent. This is the highest tariff ever imposed by the US on any country in the world. After India, Brazil is the only other country on which US President Donald Trump has imposed a 50 percent tariff. The tariffs imposed on all other countries are almost half that of India and Brazil. The White House itself has revealed the reason for the Trump administration's displeasure behind this unprecedented step.

White House disclosure: Buying oil from Russia became the reason

White House trade advisor Peter Navarro, while explaining the reason for imposing an additional 25 percent tariff on India, said that India clearly refused to stop buying oil from Russia, which the Trump administration considered a threat to America's national security. Navarro termed it a "national security issue" and said that India's stance is against America's interests. Last week, Trump announced a 25 percent retaliatory tariff on India, which came into effect from August 7. In addition, Trump signed an executive order imposing an additional 25 percent duty on India for oil purchases from Russia, taking the total tariff to 50 percent.

Why did India's purchase of oil from Russia become a national security issue?

According to the White House, how did India's purchase of oil from Russia and not bowing to US pressure become a national security issue? Navarro said that the basis of the tariff imposed on India is different from mutual trade and it is completely related to national security. He claimed that India imposes the highest tariff in the world on US products and US products are not able to reach the Indian market due to non-tariff barriers. Calling India the "Maharaja of Tariffs", Navarro said that India uses US dollars to buy Russian oil, which ultimately finances Russia's weapons and fuels violence in Ukraine. He called it "unfair to American taxpayers" and said that it "has to stop."

America's serious allegation on India

Navarro accused India of using US dollars to buy Russian oil and provide military financing to Russia, thereby fueling violence in Ukraine. He said that US taxpayers have to pay for the weapons that are bought to protect Ukraine from Russian attacks, while these Russian weapons are financed by US dollars sent by India. Navarro called it "unacceptable" and said that Trump understands the relationship between economic and national security.

Why discrimination against India in tariffs on China?

China also buys large quantities of oil from Russia, yet the US did not double the tariffs on China like India. On this, the White House said that more than 50 percent tariffs are already imposed on China, and the Trump administration wants to avoid "harming itself". The White House indicated that the issue would be worked on separately with China, but India was specifically targeted.

Claim to call India the largest oil buyer of Russia

White House Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller claimed that India is the largest buyer of Russian oil and can easily get oil from other global markets. He said that India's oil purchase provides financial support to the Russian army. However, India's Foreign Ministry called these tariffs "unreasonable and unreasonable" and said that India will take all necessary steps for its national and economic security.

India's response and future direction

India termed the US move as unfair and said that it would protect its national interests. In a restrained statement, the Indian government termed these tariffs as "unjustified" and talked about promoting self-reliance. This dispute can pose new challenges in global trade and geopolitical relations.