India says US tariff hike ‘extremely unfortunate’, vows ‘all actions necessary’ to protect national interests

Reacting sharply to US President Donald Trump’s imposition of an additional 25 per cent tariffs, India on Wednesday said that Washington’s actions are “extremely unfortunate” and asserted that New Delhi will take “all actions necessary” to protect its national interests”.

In a statement issued shortly after the White House announcement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said reiterated the US tariffs on India for purchasing Russian oil are “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.”

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“It is extremely unfortunate that the US chose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest. We reiterate that these actions are unfair, unjustified and unreasonable,” Jaiswal said.

The MEA spokesperson further stated that the US has been targeting India’s oil imports despite New Delhi making it clear to Washington that its imports are aimed at ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people of India.

Also Read: Trump imposes additional 25 per cent tarriff on India for buying Russian oil

“The United States has in recent days targeted India’s oil imports from Russia. 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,” he said, adding “India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests.”

The Indian government’s response came minutes after Trump signed an executive order imposing additional 25 per cent tariffs on India for its import of Russian oil.

“I find that the Government of India is currently directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil. Accordingly, and as consistent with applicable law, articles of India imported into the customs territory of the United States shall be subject to an additional ad valorem rate of duty of 25 percent,” the order read.

Read More: Full text of Trump’s executive order doubling tariffs on India for buying Russian oil

This takes the total US tariffs on India to 50 per cent.

Earlier last month, Trump had imposed 25 per cent tariffs on Indian goods and an additional but unspecified penalty for purchasing Russian oil and military equipment.