India's Foreign Ministry Repeatedly Objects to US Tariff Measures

Soon after announcing a 25% tariff on India in late July, US President Trump once again threatened to increase tariffs. On August 6 local time, Trump signed an executive order, citing India's purchase of Russian energy "directly or indirectly" as the reason to impose an additional 25% tariff. As a result, the total tariff rate for India from the US has reached 50%.

On the same day, the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement, calling the Trump administration's executive order "unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable." "Our imports are based on market factors, with the overall goal of ensuring the energy security of India's 1.4 billion people. Therefore, the US choosing to impose additional tariffs on India, while several other countries also act for their own national interests, is extremely unfortunate," the statement added. "India will take all necessary actions to protect its national interests."

Reuters reported on August 6 local time that imposing a 50% tariff on India is the highest tariff the US has imposed on any of its trading partners. Analysts pointed out that Trump's move marks the "most serious decline" in US-India relations since he returned to the White House this January. These tariffs could disrupt India's access to its largest export market and could impact industries such as textiles, footwear, gems, and jewelry - the total value of India's exports to the US in 2024 was nearly $87 billion.

At the same time, several Indian media outlets, including "The Times of India," reported on August 6 local time, citing informed sources, that Indian Prime Minister Modi plans to visit China from August 31 to September 1 to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Tianjin Summit. If it proceeds, this will be Modi's first visit to China since 2018. Reuters mentioned the related report, indicating that at a time of tension with the United States, the alliance between India and the US may be readjusted.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1839765425005644/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author.