The North News
New Delhi, August 6
India has sharply criticised the United States for imposing an additional 25% tariff on certain Indian imports, calling the move “unfair” and “unjustified” in a strongly worded statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday.
The escalation follows Washington’s recent targeting of India’s oil imports from Russia — a trade link New Delhi insists is critical to maintaining the energy security of its 1.4 billion citizens.
“We have already made clear our position on these issues, including the fact that our imports are based on market factors,” the MEA said, responding to what it described as a unilateral and unreasonable decision by the US administration. “It is therefore extremely unfortunate that the US should choose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest.”
The Indian government stressed that it reserves the right to respond, saying: “India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests.”
