India calls new US tariffs on Indian goods “unjustified” and pledges measures to protect farmers, exporters, and MSMEs from impact.
NEW DELHI: India has strongly criticised new US tariffs on its exports, describing them as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable,” while assuring that steps will be taken to protect the interests of farmers, exporters, entrepreneurs, and MSMEs.
Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary told Parliament that around 55 per cent of India’s merchandise exports to the US will be affected by the reciprocal tariffs, which impose a 25 per cent duty on certain goods from August 7 and an additional 25 per cent from August 27 in relation to purchases of Russian energy.
Chaudhary noted that the overall impact will depend on factors such as product differentiation, demand, quality, and contractual terms. The Department of Commerce is engaging with stakeholders to assess the situation and prepare mitigation strategies.
In an official statement, New Delhi reiterated that India’s imports are guided by market factors and aimed at securing energy needs for its 1.4 billion citizens. It expressed disappointment that the US chose to target India for actions taken by several other countries in their own national interest.
The new tariffs will apply to Indian goods entering the US from 21 days after the order was signed, excluding shipments already in transit and cleared before September 17.
