Desk Report,
No trade talks with India amid tariff dispute: Donald Trump
US President Donald Trump has said that there will be no trade talks with India until the dispute over retaliatory tariffs on Indian goods is resolved. His comments came after his administration recently decided to double tariffs on Indian imports.
No trade talks with India amid tariff dispute: Donald Trump
Asked by Delhi-based news agency ANI at the Oval Office in Washington DC whether there was any possibility of talks with India after imposing a new 50 percent tariff, Trump replied, “No, not until we can resolve the matter.” The White House issued an executive order on Wednesday imposing an additional 25 percent tariff on Indian goods as a penalty. As a result, the total tariff, including the previous 25 percent retaliatory tariff, has reached 50 percent. The Trump administration has taken this decision citing national security and foreign policy reasons, especially because of India’s oil imports from Russia.
Trump’s order said that these imports, whether direct or through a third country, pose an “unusual and serious threat” to the United States and that urgent economic action was warranted.
According to US officials, the initial 25 percent retaliatory tariff took effect on August 7. The additional punitive duty will take effect within 21 days. The tariff will apply to all Indian goods entering US ports. However, goods already in transit and certain exempt categories will be excluded.
The order gives the president the power to change this measure depending on the situation. For example, if the geopolitical situation changes or if India or any other country takes countermeasures.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in his speech at the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in Delhi on Thursday that India will not back down under economic pressure.
Modi claimed, “For us, the interests of farmers are the highest priority. India will never compromise on the interests of farmers, fishermen and the dairy industry. I know that there will be a big price to pay for this, and I am ready.” India is ready.’
India has long objected to opening up sensitive sectors like agriculture and dairy to international competition, fearing it could have a negative impact on rural livelihoods.
The standoff has intensified trade tensions between the two countries, with both sides taking a firm stand on their economic policies and national interests.
