New Delhi – The Indian government on Wednesday said it has taken note of former US President Donald Trump’s announcement to impose a 25% tariff on Indian exports starting Friday and is currently assessing the implications of the move.
In an official statement, the Commerce Ministry noted that India and the US have been in ongoing talks over the past few months to finalize a fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement.
“We remain committed to achieving that objective. The government places the highest priority on safeguarding and advancing the interests of our farmers, entrepreneurs, and MSMEs,” the ministry said.
The government further asserted that it will take all necessary measures to protect the country’s national interest, as it has done in other trade negotiations, including the recent Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with the UK.
India’s response came after Trump, in a post on Truth Social, declared that a 25% tariff on Indian exports would take effect from August 1. He also warned of an additional penalty due to India’s continued purchase of Russian energy.
Trump said, “India will be paying a tariff of 25% starting on August 1,” and added that countries buying Russian energy would face a 100% secondary tariff if Moscow fails to reach a ceasefire in Ukraine.
He criticized India for maintaining high tariff barriers and non-monetary trade restrictions, calling them “the most strenuous and obnoxious” of any country. He also pointed out that India remains one of the largest buyers of Russian military equipment and energy—alongside China—at a time when, he claimed, “everyone wants Russia to STOP THE KILLING IN UKRAINE.”
Concluding his post with a veiled warning, Trump wrote in all caps: “ALL THINGS NOT GOOD! INDIA WILL THEREFORE BE PAYING A TARIFF OF 25%, PLUS A PENALTY FOR THE ABOVE, STARTING ON AUGUST FIRST.” He signed off with his campaign slogan: “MAGA” (Make America Great Again).
The US has been pressing for zero tariffs on its exports, a condition many countries, including the European Union, have agreed to under trade deals. A key point of contention in US-India trade talks has been the proposed opening of Indian markets to American agricultural products—an issue that could significantly impact India’s vast farming community.
With inputs from IANS