Trump warns of 'a lot more secondary sanctions' on countries buying Russian oil

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned of more sanctions on countries that are buying Russian oil. Trump’s comments came after a reporter asked the US president as to why he is singling out India when countries such as China also buy Russian energy.

“It’s only been 8 hours. Let’s see what happens. You’re gonna see a lot more. You’re gonna see so much secondary sanctions,” said Trump.

On Wednesday, Trump signed an executive order imposing an additional 25% tariff on India in response to its continued purchase of Russian oil, taking the overall tariffs on Indian goods to 50%.

“To deal with the national emergency described in Executive Order 14066, I determine that it is necessary and appropriate to impose an additional ad valorem duty on imports of articles of India, which is directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil,” the White House said.

While the earlier tariff rate of 25% is applicable from August 1, the new tariff levy will be effective after 21 days, or August 27. Trump's latest executive order says the new rate of duty will be effective for goods entering the US 21 days after this order is issued. However, goods already shipped to the US before that will not be affected as they are entered for use or taken for storage before September 17, 2025.

Earlier this week, Trump threatened to impose higher tariffs on India for the country’s purchase of Russian oil. He also said that potential tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals, a sector where India is a major exporter, could reach 250%, aiming to boost domestic production.

Meanwhile, the Indian government said that India will protect its national interests. "India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests.The United States has in recent days targeted India’s oil imports from Russia," the ministry of external affairs said in a statement.

"We have already made clear our position on these issues, including the fact that our 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 MEA statement said. "It is therefore extremely unfortunate that the US should choose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest," it added.