Govt weighs in, TDP seeks seafood shield

Opposition parties seek to know Centre's plans to protect interests of Indian farmers and small-scale industries

- ARCHIS MOHAN

Members of Parliament (MPs), including those from parties belonging to the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the Centre, on Thursday raised concerns in Parliament over the US imposing a 27 per cent reciprocal tariff on India.

In one of the first comments from the government, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary said India is assessing the tariff hike imposed by the US and its impact.

"For (Donald) Trump, it's America First, but for Modi, it's India First. We are assessing the impact of the reciprocal tariffs imposed by the US," he said on the sidelines of an event organised by PFRDA in New Delhi.

Opposition parties, including the Congress, Left outfits, and the Shiv Sena (UBT), demanded to know the Union government's plans to protect India's industry and agriculture.

Sangh Parivar affiliates, meanwhile, maintained that the government was committed to protecting the interests of India's farmers and small-scale industries.