In the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments on India’s tariffs, the Indian government issued a strong clarification in the Rajya Sabha about its trade negotiations with the United States. Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal provided an official response, making it clear that India’s tariff policy is not subject to external pressures and that the government has not made any commitment to reduce tariffs on American goods.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!President Trump’s remarks, which accused India of imposing “massive tariffs” and suggested that the country had agreed to reduce them, sparked a wave of discussions within India’s political circles. However, Barthwal reassured lawmakers that the government’s stance remains unchanged: India’s tariffs are determined by national economic interests, and no unilateral reductions have been promised to the U.S.
In his address, Barthwal outlined the broader context of India’s tariff regime, which aims to protect sensitive sectors like agriculture, textiles, and electronics, which are integral to India’s economic stability. He emphasized that tariffs are an essential tool to safeguard these industries from unfair competition and prevent economic destabilization.
Barthwal also addressed the ongoing negotiations with the U.S., noting that both countries have been working on various trade matters, but no final agreement on tariffs has been reached. “While we are open to discussions, any decisions regarding tariff adjustments would have to be part of a broader, comprehensive agreement that benefits both nations,” Barthwal said.
The government’s clear message in the Rajya Sabha was that India would continue to engage in trade talks with the U.S. but would do so on its own terms. Barthwal’s remarks further underscored that India’s trade policy would not be influenced by external pressures, especially those that could harm the country’s domestic industries or economic growth.
In closing, Barthwal reiterated India’s commitment to fair trade and its willingness to negotiate with the U.S. on matters of mutual interest. However, he stressed that India’s economic sovereignty must always be protected in any trade agreement, and the government would not make hasty decisions regarding tariff reductions.
