India fires back at Trump's extra 25% tariff move, calls it 'unfair, unjustified'

Shortly after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods over its continued trade with Russia, the Indian government has responded strongly, calling the move "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable."

In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the additional tariffs and the specific targeting of New Delhi were unwarranted, reports Hindustan Times.

"We have already made clear our position on these issues, including the fact that our imports are based on market factors and done with the overall objective of ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people of India," the MEA said.

"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 statement added.

The MEA emphasised that India will take appropriate steps to "protect national interest."

The US move, announced Wednesday, comes amid growing pressure on Russia to reach a ceasefire deal for the ongoing war in Ukraine. Trump's administration said the new tariffs are in part due to India's participation in the BRICS bloc and its continued trade with Russia, which the US President described as "anti-American."

India had previously dismissed similar threats from Washington, calling them "unjustified and unreasonable." "India's imports are meant to ensure predictable and affordable energy costs to the Indian consumer. They are a necessity compelled by global market situation. However, it is revealing that the very nations criticising India are themselves indulging in trade with Russia. Unlike our case, such trade is not even a vital national compulsion," the MEA had said.

Trump also cited India's tariffs on American goods, claiming they are "the highest in the world," as another reason for the penalty.

The new tariffs came into effect on 1 August.