US Imposes Hefty Tariffs on Indian Imports, Sparking International Trade Tensions

The United States has implemented a 25% tariff on Indian imports, effective Thursday, in line with President Donald Trump's executive order aimed at enforcing reciprocal duties on multiple countries across the globe.

The tariffs, announced last week, are a response to nations perceived to have economically exploited the United States. Additional tariffs on Indian goods, including a specific levy on Russian oil purchases, might raise the duties further to 50% by August 27.

Indian organizations in the US describe the move as a temporary setback, optimistic about future discussions. Critics, including Indian-American leaders, fear the tariffs may hike prices of essential goods and threaten the US-India economic partnership.

(With inputs from agencies.)