Daijiworld Media Network- Washington

Washington, Aug 8: A sharp escalation in trade tensions has erupted between India and the United States after President Donald Trump announced a steep 50 per cent tariff on Indian imports, citing New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil.

Senior US Congressman Gregory Meeks, a Democrat, has strongly criticised what he described as Trump’s latest “tariff tantrum”, warning that it risks undoing over two decades of bipartisan efforts to nurture a robust India-US partnership. “We have deep strategic, economic, and people-to-people ties. Concerns should be addressed in a mutually respectful way, consistent with our democratic values,” Meeks stressed.

The latest tariff announcement follows last month’s imposition of a baseline 25 per cent duty on Indian goods and a halt to trade talks — while China was granted another extension. New Delhi has labelled the move “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable”, with the Ministry of External Affairs vowing to take “all actions necessary to protect national interests.”

Trump’s global tariff hikes, which took effect Thursday, have rattled dozens of US trade partners. Import duties on several countries, including EU nations, Japan, and South Korea, now range from 15 to 41 per cent. India, however, has been hit particularly hard, with an additional penalty clause targeting nations importing Russian oil.

Economists fear the policy could stoke inflation and slow economic growth, as US businesses are likely to pass higher costs on to consumers. Georgetown University trade expert Marc Busch noted that “inventories are depleting, and it is unlikely firms will absorb costs indefinitely.”

The Federation of Indian Export Organisations has warned the decision will impact nearly 55 per cent of India’s shipments to the US, calling it a “severe setback” for bilateral trade.