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India hits out at Trump tariffs, calls them ’unfair, unjustified, unreasonable’

It said that the United States has recently ’targeted’ India’s oil imports from Russia

In a retaliatory statement issued on August 6, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs described Trump’s additional tariffs as "unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable."

The ministry noted that the United States had recently "targeted" India’s oil imports from Russia, stressing that India has already clarified its position on the matter.

Randhir Jaiswal, the ministry’s official spokesperson, said the imports are guided by market dynamics and are intended to "ensure the energy security of 1.4 billion people of India."

He added that it was "extremely unfortunate that the US should choose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking."

"We reiterate that these actions are unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable. India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests," he said.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday ordered an additional 25 percent tariff on Indian goods over New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil, a key revenue source for Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

The tariff, set to take effect in three weeks, comes on top of a separate 25 percent duty entering into force on Thursday, according to the text of the executive order released by the White House.

The order also threatens potential penalties on other countries deemed to be "directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil.

Trump’s 50% tariff is economic blackmail, attempt to bully India into unfair trade deal: Rahul Gandhi

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday slammed US’ action imposing 25% additional tariff on India and termed it as economic blackmail.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday reacted to US President Donald Trump’s executive order imposing an additional 25 per cent tariff on goods coming from India over purchase of Russian oil, and called it economic blackmail.

“Trump’s 50% tariff is economic blackmail - an attempt to bully India into an unfair trade deal,” said Rahul Gandhi in a post on X.

Gandhi, a Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, further stated that “PM Modi better not let his weakness override the interests of the Indian people.”

Trump’s latest order has now taken total tariff on Indian goods to 50 per cent.