Karti Chidambaram Urges Calm Amid US-India Tariff Tensions

In a bid to ease escalating tensions following the recent imposition of 25% tariffs on India by the United States, Congress MP Karti Chidambaram has urged the Indian government to "keep its cool" and continue negotiation efforts.

Chidambaram described US President Donald Trump as an unconventional politician with whom standard diplomatic approaches are ineffective. He emphasized maintaining composure, suggesting that current tensions are merely initial positions in a longer negotiation process. He expressed hope that the Indian government would persist in seeking an understanding with the US.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi intensified political pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning his silence over Trump's sweeping statements including claims of mediating an India-Pakistan ceasefire and erroneous reports concerning Indian jets. While Trump reiterated ongoing discussions, he underscored India's high tariffs, labeling them among the world's highest.

(With inputs from agencies.)