The US-India trade deal cuts tariffs sharply in exchange for India ending Russian oil imports, easing pressure on Indian exports while reshaping energy flows.
Summary:
US and India reached a trade deal cutting US tariffs on Indian goods to 18%
The US will remove a punitive 25% tariff tied to India’s Russian oil purchases
India agreed to halt Russian oil imports and shift supply toward the US and potentially Venezuela
Indian equities rallied sharply, easing pressure on exports and the rupee
Details remain limited, with no formal proclamation or timeline released
Donald Trump announced a trade agreement with India that sharply reduces US tariffs on Indian goods to 18% from as high as 50%, in exchange for New Delhi committing to end purchases of Russian oil and lower trade barriers for US exports.
The announcement followed a call between Trump and Narendra Modi and represents a significant shift in bilateral trade relations after months of tariff pressure. A US official said Washington would rescind a punitive 25% duty imposed last year over India’s continued imports of Russian crude, which had been layered on top of a separate 25% “reciprocal” tariff.
Under the agreement, India will redirect oil purchases toward the US and potentially Venezuela, helping to replace Russian supply. The deal also includes commitments from India to raise purchases of US energy, technology, agricultural and other products, alongside broader reductions in tariff and non-tariff barriers.
Indian markets reacted positively. US-listed Indian stocks and ETFs posted strong gains, reflecting relief that India’s exports will no longer face a disproportionate tariff burden compared with other Asian economies. Analysts noted that the new 18% rate broadly aligns India with regional peers and removes a key drag on trade competitiveness and currency sentiment.
However, details remain scarce. No presidential proclamation or Federal Register notice has been issued, leaving uncertainty around implementation dates, enforcement mechanisms and the precise timeline for ending Russian oil imports. The agreement also lacks the large-scale investment commitments seen in recent US deals with Japan and South Korea.
The deal follows India’s recent trade agreement with the European Union and comes as the Trump administration accelerates trade negotiations ahead of a pending US Supreme Court ruling on the legality of Trump’s tariff authority. Officials have signalled that bilateral deals will proceed regardless of the court outcome.
From an energy perspective, India’s pivot away from Russia marks a notable shift. India has relied heavily on discounted Russian crude since 2022, but imports have already begun to slow, suggesting the transition may already be underway.
