The United States has announced a significant trade agreement with India that will reduce tariffs on Indian goods to 18%, down from the earlier 50%, in exchange for India agreeing to halt purchases of Russian oil.

US President Donald Trump shared the announcement on social media after a call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that India would now source oil from the United States and potentially from Venezuela. A White House official confirmed that Washington would remove a punitive 25% duty imposed over India’s continued Russian oil imports, which had been added on top of a reciprocal tariff structure.

Prime Minister Modi welcomed the move, calling the revised tariff rate a positive step for Indian exporters. In a post on X, he said India was grateful for the reduction, noting that “Made in India” products would now face lower duties in the US market.

The announcement triggered a strong rally in Indian stocks listed in the US. Shares of Infosys, Wipro, and HDFC Bank closed sharply higher, while the iShares MSCI India ETF also gained, reflecting renewed investor confidence. Indian markets, which had struggled under the weight of higher tariffs and foreign investor outflows in 2025, responded positively to the development.

According to Trump, India has also committed to buying over $500 billion worth of US energy, including oil and coal, along with technology, agricultural products, and other goods. He added that India would move towards reducing both tariff and non-tariff barriers on American products.

While the announcement outlined broad commitments, several operational details remain unclear. The White House has not yet issued a formal proclamation or Federal Register notice specifying when the new tariff rates will take effect or the timeline for India’s exit from Russian oil purchases. Indian ministries have also not released an official statement so far.

Economists believe the agreement brings India closer in line with other Asian economies, where tariff rates typically range between 15% and 19%. Analysts say the deal removes a major drag on Indian exports and could provide stability to the rupee, which had come under pressure amid global trade tensions.

The deal comes shortly after India concluded a landmark trade agreement with the European Union, covering nearly 97% of traded goods by value. Together, these developments mark a shift towards deeper trade integration for India at a time of global economic uncertainty.

India, the world’s third-largest oil importer, has relied heavily on discounted Russian crude since 2022. However, recent data shows that imports from Russia have already begun to slow, suggesting that New Delhi has been preparing for a transition in its energy sourcing strategy