US Tariffs Strain US-India Ties Amid Russian Oil Trade

Congress MP Karti Chidambaram on Thursday criticized the Modi administration, accusing it of overstating its 'special relationship' with former US President Donald Trump. This comes in light of the US imposing an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports, reflecting a diplomatic rift. Chidambaram argued that the supposed connection between the two countries no longer holds merit.

The tariff increase, attributed to India's oil trade with Russia, marks a significant escalation. Chidambaram called for the Indian government to address Parliament on the potential economic repercussions and formulate a response strategy. He emphasized the need for transparency and collaboration, suggesting Parliament or an all-party meeting be involved in discussions.

The increased duties, including a 50% tariff on pharmaceutical imports, have caused alarm in India. Independent MP Pappu Yadav stressed the profound impact on the pharma sector, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reconsider the supply of generic drugs to the US. This comes after Trump signed an Executive Order citing India's Russian oil trade as a security threat, criticized by India's Ministry of External Affairs as 'unfair and unreasonable.'

(With inputs from agencies.)