Trump’s 25% tariff for India

With the August 1 tariff deadline approaching, US President Donald Trump has announced a 25% tariff on all Indian goods, along with an unspecified penalty for India’s military and energy ties with Russia. Citing India's high tariffs and trade barriers, Trump criticized its trade policies despite calling India a “friend.” The exact penalty and whether the new tariff adds to the existing 10% baseline remain unclear. The surprise move, seen as a pressure tactic ahead of trade talks August 25, drew sharp reactions in India as the government said it was studying the implications. Meanwhile, the Opposition found fresh ammo to attack the government and said “Modi’s friendship with Trump means little”

- AGENCIES

US President Donald Trump Wednesday announced the imposition of a 25 per cent tariff on all goods coming from India starting August 1, plus an unspecified penalty for buying military equipment and crude oil from Russia.

The surprise announcement came a day after Indian officials said that a US trade team would visit from August 25 to negotiate a trade deal. The announcement is being seen a pressure tactics to get New Delhi to agree to demands made by the US, which has in recent days got favourable trade deals with major partners like Japan, the UK and the European Union.