By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump on Monday has announced a 25% tariff on countries doing trade with Iran.
The decision could affect India’s exports and imports after strained global trade ties with the US.
The experts said that this could have ripple effects for India and other major trading partners.
Trump said any country dealing with Iran will now face a 25% tariff on all trade with the United States. The decision, he said, takes effect immediately.
He described the order as “final and conclusive”, leaving little room for negotiation or phased implementation in a post on Truth Social, Trump.
“Effective immediately, any Country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a Tariff of 25% on any and all business being done with the United States of America. This Order is final and conclusive. Thank you for your attention to this matter!,” Trump wrote.
The decision places India in a delicate spot. New Delhi maintains long-standing trade relations with Iran, even as it balances strategic ties with Washington.
India faces a 50 per cent tariff on its exports to the US, half of which, American officials said is linked to India’s purchase of Russian oil.
Washington has argued that such purchases indirectly support Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, India and Iran remain key commercial partners.
India has consistently ranked among Iran’s top 5 trading nations.
Indian exports to Iran include sugar, rice, pharmaceuticals, tea, man-made fibres, and electrical machinery. Imports from Iran largely consist of chemicals, dry fruits, and glassware.
Trump’s decision drew strong praise from senior Republicans.
US Senator Lindsey Graham hailed the decision as a decisive step to economically isolate Iran’s leadership.
In a post on X, Graham said Trump’s actions had emboldened protest movements inside Iran and warned that the regime had crossed “red lines”.
“Your decisive leadership in isolating this regime economically through your actions today are most impressive,” Graham wrote, while also calling for military action without deploying ground troops.
The comments came against the backdrop of widespread unrest inside Iran.
The demonstrations have been reported across several provinces, including Azerbaijan province and the central city of Arak, according to Iranian media website.
The human rights groups claim the unrest has turned deadly.
The Human Rights News Agency has reported 544 deaths and more than 10,600 arrests so far.
Trump said Iranian leaders had reached out to Washington seeking talks, even as protests continue.
He spoke with reporters aboard Air Force One, said Iran had contacted the US to explore negotiations but warned that events on the ground could force America to act before diplomacy begins.
Trump said “They called. Iran called to negotiate yesterday. The leaders of Iran called. They want to negotiate”.
