Delhi’s cheap electricity was never truly cheap. It was deferred. For years, power tariffs remained largely unchanged even as the real cost of generating, transmitting, and distributing electricity steadily increased.
Fresh US data shows a narrowing trade gap under new policies, but India continues to rank among the largest contributors to America’s goods trade deficit.
Amid concerns over a proposed hike in power tariffs, the Uttarakhand Electricity Regulatory Commission (UERC) has declined the proposal of the state power department, bringing relief to consumers.
The United States is once again reminding the world that its trade policy can turn on a dime ~ and that reminder matters far beyond Washington. When President Donald Trump signals that countries which “play games” with trade commitments will face steeper penalties, he is not merely posturing for a domestic audience.
"We are studying all these developments for their implications," the Union Ministry of Commerce & Industry said in a statement.
The US will enforce a 50% tariff on Indian goods from August 27, 2025, penalizing New Delhi over Russian oil imports. PM Modi, responding in Ahmedabad, urged self-reliance and swadeshi to withstand external pressure.
The return of Donald Trump to the White House has dramatically reshaped the global geopolitical landscape, particularly in the realms of trade and strategic alignments.
"These tariffs on India are not a strategy; they're sabotage. It's the stupidest tactical move in US foreign policy," he said while adding that the tariffs are sabotaging Washington's relationship with one of its most important partners in Asia.
Russian diplomat Roman Babushkin defended India amid steep U.S. tariffs, saying Western criticism shows India is “doing everything right.” He reaffirmed Moscow’s strategic partnership with New Delhi, stressing continued oil trade despite U.S. pressure, and highlighted a sevenfold rise in bilateral trade in recent years.
The abrupt cancellation of US trade negotiators’ planned visit to New Delhi from 25 to 29 August, just days before punitive tariffs were to take effect, marks a pivotal moment in US-India relations.
