The Trump administration has doubled import duties on Indian goods, raising the cumulative levy to 50% after a second 25-percentage-point increase announced this month. White House officials frame the measure as retaliation for what they call unfair trade practices and for New Delhi’s surging purchases of discounted Russian crude. The tariff escalation has opened a public rift between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with Nikkei Asia warning the dispute could fracture cooperation within the U.S.–Japan–Australia–India Quad and hand geopolitical leverage to Beijing. Former U.S. envoy Nikki Haley cautioned that years of strategic progress risk being "sabotaged" if Washington and Delhi fail to defuse tensions. India is showing no sign of backing away from Russian energy supplies. "Indian companies will continue buying from wherever they get the best deal," Ambassador Vinay Kumar told TASS. At the same time, New Delhi has hired a second Washington lobbying firm with close Trump ties as it seeks exemptions before the higher duties take effect. Inside the United States, food‐industry associations are lobbying for carve-outs, arguing that roughly 20% of the nation’s diet— including 85% of seafood as well as cucumbers, coffee and pineapples—relies on imports now subject to sharply higher costs. They warn consumers could face price spikes if relief is not granted. Fitch Ratings said Indian pharmaceutical and oil refiners may escape the most severe direct damage but warned of broader ripple effects across supply chains and financing costs. Analysts at the Observer Research Foundation added that Beijing could exploit any prolonged U.S.–India estrangement to expand its influence in Asia.