The deadline for new US tariffs on India has passed early Wednesday, doubling the total levies on goods from the South Asian economic giant to 50%. US President Donald Trump had earlier announced the increase to pressure buyers of Russian fossil fuels, a major source of revenue for Moscow. Trump's trade adviser, Peter Navarro, said last week that "India doesn't appear to want to recognize its role in the bloodshed," in reference to Russia's war in Ukraine.
India successfully tested an intermediate-range ballistic missile, the government said Wednesday, adding that it is capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads. Local news outlets reported its range as 700 to 900 kilometers (430 to 560 miles). The show of force comes just ahead of a major increase in US tariffs on India. The US has threatened to raise tariffs from 25% to 50% by Aug. 27 if India does not stop purchasing Russian oil.