The White House also hinted that further increases could be avoided if India refrains from retaliatory measures.

New Delhi: Following Donald Trump’s recent announcement imposing a 26% retaliatory tariff on Indian exports, a senior official from India's Commerce Ministry has downplayed the impact, describing it as a “mixed bag” rather than a setback.

India Analyzing the Impact

Speaking to news agency PTI on the condition of anonymity, the official explained that the tariff rollout includes a universal 10% duty on all U.S. imports starting April 5, with an additional 16% surcharge coming into effect on April 10. Despite concerns over its impact on trade, the official emphasized that India is closely assessing the situation and exploring potential strategies.

Additionally, the official mentioned that the Trump administration has signaled a willingness to reconsider tariff rates if India takes steps to address U.S. concerns over trade policies. The White House also hinted that further increases could be avoided if India refrains from retaliatory measures and engages in constructive dialogue.

Trump Criticizes India's Trade Practices

During his "Liberation Day" announcement, Trump reiterated his long-standing criticism of India's trade policies while acknowledging Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “great friend.”

"Prime Minister Modi was here recently. He’s a great friend of mine, but I told him, ‘You’re my friend, but you’re not treating us fairly.’ India charges us a 52% tariff, so we are now imposing 26%, which is only half of what they charge us," Trump declared.

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Trump Justifies Tariff Hike

Speaking from the White House Rose Garden, Trump displayed a chart highlighting India’s tariff rates, currency policies, and trade barriers, arguing that the U.S. has been at a disadvantage for years. According to White House documents, the tariff on Indian exports will actually be 27%, slightly higher than what Trump announced.

What Lies Ahead?

With these new tariffs set to take effect, the future of U.S.-India trade relations remains uncertain. However, India is actively evaluating its options while keeping diplomatic channels open for further negotiations to mitigate potential economic impacts.