U.S. tariffs of 50% have taken effect on many Indian products, doubling an existing duty as President Donald Trump sought to punish New Delhi for buying Russian oil.
India has criticized the levies as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable,” with its export body calling on Wednesday for government intervention to assuage fears of heavy job cuts.
Trump has raised pressure on India over the energy transactions, a key source of revenue for Moscow’s war in Ukraine, as part of a campaign to end the conflict. However, U.S. treasury secretary Scott Bessent said that Trump had good ties with Indian prime minister Narendra Modi.
“I think at the end of the day, we will come together,” he said.
While Trump has slapped fresh duties on allies and competitors alike since returning to the presidency in January, this 50% level is among the highest that U.S. trading partners face.
Nevertheless, in 2024, the U.S. was India’s top export destination, with shipments worth $87.3 billion.
