US-India Trade Tensions Escalate Over New Tariffs

The US has imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports, escalating trade tensions over India's purchase of Russian oil. Congress leader Pawan Khera criticizes the move as a consequence of PM Modi's self-projection. India vows to protect its national interests against the 'unjustified' US action.


Devdiscourse News Desk | Updated: 06-08-2025 22:30 IST | Created: 06-08-2025 22:30 IST
US-India Trade Tensions Escalate Over New Tariffs
Congress leader Pawan Khera (Photo/ANI). Image Credit: ANI
  • Country:
  • India

As tensions mount, the United States has imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports, retaliating against New Delhi's acquisition of Russian oil. Congress leader Pawan Khera criticized the move, attributing it to 11 years of 'self-projection' by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asserting that India's interests have been overshadowed by personal branding.

Khera decried the tariffs as 'pure and simple blackmail by America,' expressing surprise at India's vulnerability to such international pressure. The tariff, signed into effect by US President Donald Trump, is a response to national security and foreign policy concerns relating to India's energy dealings with Russia.

Following the announcement, the Ministry of External Affairs labeled the decision as 'unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable,' emphasizing that India's oil imports are dictated by market factors to ensure energy security for its 1.4 billion citizens. The Indian government has pledged to take necessary actions to safeguard its interests.

(With inputs from agencies.)

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