India has strongly condemned new U.S. tariffs targeting its imports, labeling the measures as "unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable" amid escalating trade tensions between the two nations. The U.S. announced a 25% additional tariff on Indian goods this week, citing New Delhi's continued purchases of Russian oil as a key factor.
Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called the move "extremely unfortunate," emphasizing that India's energy imports are driven by market dynamics and the need to secure affordable fuel for its 1.4 billion citizens. "Our actions prioritize national energy security while maintaining global partnerships," Jaiswal stated.
The tariffs, signed into effect by former U.S. President Donald Trump, will raise total U.S. duties on Indian products to 50% when implemented in late August. This follows earlier retaliatory measures tied to a long-standing dispute over steel and aluminum tariffs.
Analysts suggest the move reflects Washington's broader strategy to pressure nations maintaining economic ties with Russia amid the Ukraine conflict. India has maintained a neutral stance while increasing energy imports from Russia at discounted rates since 2022.
The development marks a new challenge for Indo-U.S. trade relations, which had shown signs of improvement through recent technology and defense partnerships. Market watchers warn the tariffs could impact sectors ranging from textiles to machinery, though India has not yet detailed countermeasures.
