U.S. President Donald Trump said in a Truth Social post on Monday that he will "substantially" raise tariffs on goods from India because of India buying massive amounts of Russian oil and making big profits from selling it on.
Indian goods imported into the United States will be subject to a 25 percent tariff starting Aug. 7, according to an executive order signed by Trump on July 31.
Besides the 25 percent tariff, Trump had earlier said he would impose a penalty for India's purchase of Russian oil, without elaborating on details.
In early April, Trump announced 26 percent reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods in addition to the 10 percent baseline tariffs, but he then paused the imposition of such tariffs.
On August 1, Trump told reporters that he believed India intended to stop buying Russian oil.
In response to Trump's new threat, India's Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement that "the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable," and that India's oil imports are meant to "ensure predictable and affordable energy costs" for Indian consumers.
"Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security," according to the statement on the ministry's website.
On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at a rally in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh that India must protect its own economic interests amid uncertainties in the global economy.
Indian media said that Modi's remarks appeared to be a response to Trump's previous statement that India is a "dead economy."
At the public gathering, the Indian PM said that priority should be given to protect the interests of farmers and small industries, and boost job opportunities for the youth.
The U.S. and India have reportedly held several rounds of talks, but India has refused to grant U.S. tariff concessions on agriculture and dairy products, a key U.S. demand in the negotiations.
Modi also called for efforts to support domestic manufacturing and consumption.
The U.S. goods trade deficit with India was 45.8 billion U.S. dollars in 2024, up 5.9 percent from 2023, according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative.
Trump threatens to 'substantially' raise tariffs on Indian imports
A former television host from Taiwan, Zhai Xuan, has made a pivotal decision to leave mainstream broadcasting in order to create content that provides a better understanding of the Chinese mainland and cross-strait relations.
Zhai, a seasoned television host with over a decade of experience in Taiwan's media landscape, recently addressed an audience at an event in Beijing, where she revealed her complete transition into independent online media.
In her remarks, she articulated her aspiration to bridge what she perceives as a significant information gap between audiences on both sides of the Strait, highlighting her commitment to fostering a deeper understanding and connection through her new endeavors.
"I was really surprised by all the fake news. There were stories saying people on the mainland can't afford tea eggs or that they live in mud houses and in Taiwan, this was the main information many people received," said Zhai.
Zhai said she initially began producing online videos to challenge such perceptions while continuing her work as a television host.
In April 2025, she travelled to the mainland with her father to fulfill her late grandfather's wish to return to his hometown. The trip, which reunited family members separated since 1949, was recorded in a video series titled "Journey to Find Our Roots", drawing attention from viewers in both Taiwan and the mainland.
"Many people in Taiwan told me that after watching, they wanted to apply for a mainland travel permit immediately and go looking for their relatives. Some had long forgotten these things, but after seeing my story, they began thinking about their hometowns and family members they had never met and decided to search for their roots," Zhai shared her story at the event.
By mid-2025, Zhai said she began to feel increasing pressure amid rising political tensions and a tightening atmosphere around cross-Strait exchanges in Taiwan.
After more than 12 years in the industry, Zhai resigned from her position, believing it was the right thing to do.
"At that moment, I felt this was a major issue，not just for me, but for Chinese people on both sides of the Strait. If I backed down then, I wouldn’t be standing on the right side," said Zhai.
Since leaving television, Zhai has broadened her online programming to encompass a range of daily-life topics, including practical guidance on applying for a mainland travel permit and using commonly employed mobile applications, in addition to content that delves into historical memory and cultural connections across the Strait.
As the debate over cross-Strait relations continues in Taiwan, Zhai said she remains committed to her current path.
Former Taiwan TV host bridges cross-Strait divide via online media
