US-India Trade Tensions Escalate: Trump Imposes New Tariffs

Former diplomat Anil Trigunayat has condemned US President Donald Trump's decision to levy an additional 25% tariff on India for purchasing Russian oil, labeling the move as 'irrational' and fueled by 'personal antagonism.'

Trigunayat noted that Washington's limited trade with Moscow has shifted their focus onto countries trading with Russia, such as India. This escalation comes despite near-concluded negotiations between the US and India last month.

India's Ministry of External Affairs has called Washington's tariffs 'unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable,' pledging to protect national interests. The White House cited national security and foreign policy concerns as reasons for the increase, with tariffs set to affect all Indian imports starting August 7.

(With inputs from agencies.)