India Responds to Trump-Era US Tariff Hike

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged not to compromise on the interests of Indian farmers, livestock keepers, and fishermen after President Donald Trump doubled U.S. tariffs on Indian goods to 50% in response to India's ongoing oil trade with Russia. The Indian government condemned the move as 'unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable,' warning that the new tariffs will hit crucial export sectors and may strain the India-U.S. strategic partnership. India has indicated it may seek new alliances in the face of these economic challenges. Modi reiterated the non-negotiable status of agricultural protections, emphasizing their importance to India's economy and employment. Some policymakers see the crisis as an opportunity for economic reforms, while experts caution about broader geopolitical and trade consequences. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that India will take necessary steps to safeguard its economic interests.