India is enhancing its export initiatives as Trump’s tariffs take effect starting tomorrow (August 27). On Tuesday, the US Homeland Security issued a notification indicating that Washington would enforce an additional 25 percent tariff on all goods originating from India.
President Donald Trump has levied an extra 25 percent duty on Indian products due to New Delhi’s importation of Russian oil. Consequently, India will encounter a total tariff of up to 50 percent, marking one of the highest rates imposed by the American administration.
These new tariffs will be applicable to goods entering the US for consumption or those withdrawn from warehouses for consumption starting at 12:01 am EDT on Wednesday, or 9:31 am IST, as per the Homeland Security announcement.
India intensifies exports
A representative from the Ministry of Commerce informed Reuters that the government holds “no expectations for any immediate relief or postponement of US tariffs.” Nevertheless, the official mentioned that the government has established mechanisms to offer financial support to exporters impacted by Trump’s tariffs.
Officials are also urging exporters to explore alternative markets, including China, Latin America, and the Middle East. “The government has pinpointed nearly 50 countries for boosting Indian exports, especially in textiles, processed food items, leather products, and marine goods,” the official stated.
PM Modi vows to protect
On Monday (August 25), Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that India would endure the economic strain and persist in fortifying the nation’s resilience.
“No matter the extent of pressure we face, we will continue to enhance our capacity to withstand it,” Modi declared while addressing a public assembly in Ahmedabad’s Nikol region. He emphasized that small entrepreneurs, farmers, and livestock rearers would remain the top priority of his administration.
Without explicitly mentioning Washington, Modi stated, “In today’s world, there exists a politics driven by economic self-interest; individuals prioritize their own needs. We are observing this phenomenon. From the grounds of Ahmedabad, I assure you that the welfare of small entrepreneurs, shopkeepers, farmers, and livestock rearers is of paramount importance to Modi… Regardless of the pressure we face, we will continue to bolster our resilience against it.”
