On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order slapping an additional 25% tariff on imports from India, a move that will take the combined US duties on Indian goods to 50% once it kicks in 21 days after the announcement.
Indias Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Randhir Jaiswal hit back, calling the latest duty unfair, unjustified and unreasonable. He added that it was extremely unfortunate the US chose to target India, especially given New Delhis efforts to secure affordable energy for its 1.4 billion residents.
The US move specifically targets Indias oil imports from Russia, part of a broader campaign by Washington to pressure Moscow after setting a 10-day deadline on July 29 for a ceasefire in Ukraine. India, however, insists its purchases are based on market factors and driven by the need to keep lights on nationwide.
This tit-for-tat escalation builds on an earlier 25% levy imposed by Washington in response to Indias own duties on US goods. Businesses caution the dispute could ripple through global supply chains, pushing up costs for industries from manufacturing to retail.
With New Delhi pledging to take all actions necessary to safeguard its national interests, the clash between two of the worlds top economies is poised to test diplomatic ties and market resilience. Observers will be watching closely to see whether talks or further penalties shape the next move.
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India dubs U.S. additional tariffs 'unfair, unjustified, unreasonable'
cgtn.com
