About 55% of India's merchandise exports to the United States will be subject to the tariff imposed by President Donald Trump's administration, the Indian government said on Monday.

The trigger for the escalation, US officials have said, was India’s continued purchase of Russian oil despite repeated warnings from Washington. Trump’s administration described the move as a punitive measure, targeting a key trade partner over what it sees as a breach of geopolitical discipline.

The US has imposed reciprocal tariffs of 25% on Indian goods, with an additional 25% to be implemented from August 27, bringing the total tariff to 50%.