Trump’s India Tariffs: A Result of Unrecognized Efforts?

The US government’s decision to impose tariffs on India, following its purchase of oil from Russia, has been met with criticism. According to US expert Ashley J. Tellis, President Trump believes he was slighted due to the absence of recognition for his efforts in resolving the India-Pakistan dispute in May 2025. Tellis, during an interview, noted that Trump might feel slighted because he did not get the credit he believed he deserved for mediating between India and Pakistan. Tellis further elaborated that the response from Prime Minister Modi might have worsened, rather than improved, the situation. This move comes after the US imposed a 25% tariff on India in July. A 25% secondary tariff on Indian oil imports and a 50% tariff on Indian goods were implemented from August 27, leading to a breakdown in trade talks. The Trump administration placed heavy tariffs on India for purchasing Russian oil. Furthermore, they supposedly discounted India’s peacekeeping efforts during the recent conflict (Operation Sindoor) with Pakistan. Indian exports now face over 50% in US tariffs, a level only surpassed by Brazil on Trump’s tariff list. Tellis highlighted Trump’s focus on India stemmed from his belief that he was not given due recognition for his role in establishing peace between the two nations. Tellis also pointed out that China is the biggest purchaser of Russian oil, while Trump is singling out India. Tellis also took aim at Peter Navarro, Trump’s trade advisor, contending that Navarro damaged relations between Delhi and Washington. Tellis further pointed out that the US government has strongly criticized India’s ongoing purchases of Russian crude oil, which they see as financing Vladimir Putin’s war against Ukraine.