US President Donald Trump's pressure on India to halt its oil imports from Russia and comply with sanctions on Iran has strained ties between Washington and New Delhi, who have enjoyed a healthy strategic partnership for decades.

On Wednesday, Trump signed an executive order slapping an additional 25% tariff on some Indian goods, on top of a previously announced 25% rate, brining the total to 50%.

The new rate, which is now posed to be the highest of any US trading partner along with Brazil, is due to kick in 21 days after August 7.

This could allow time for further negotiations. However, as of now, India has given no signal it is ready to roll back buying Russian oil.

An Indian government spokesperson on Wednesday defended New Delhi's purchase of Russian oil, saying that "imports are based on market factors and done with the overall objective of ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people of India."

The US is India's largest export market, with $86.5 billion in total exports in 2024.

Items like footwear, jewelry and textiles could be affected by the tariffs, according to Reuters news agency.

However, big ticket export items like pharmacuticals and smartphones are still on an exemption list.

India's External Affairs Ministry has said the tariffs are "unjustified and unreasonable" and that it would take "all necessary measures" to safeguard its "national interests and economic security."

After calling India a "friend" last week,

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