India slams Trump's 50% tariff as 'Unfair, Unjustified, and Unreasonable'

New Delhi: India has strongly hit back against US President Donald Trump's decision to impose an additional 25 per cent tariff on India, thereby taking the total rate to 50 per cent, saying that Washington's move is 'unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.'

India has strongly hit back against US President Donald Trump's decision to impose an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods, raising the total tariff to 50 per cent, calling the move "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable."

The Ministry of External Affairs accused Washington of singling out India over its purchase of Russian oil, noting that other nations trading with Moscow have not faced similar penalties. "It is therefore extremely unfortunate that the US should choose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest," the ministry said in a statement. 

India had earlier made it clear that its imports from Russia are aimed at safeguarding its national interests by ensuring affordable energy prices. "India’s imports are meant to ensure predictable and affordable energy costs to the Indian consumer. They are a necessity compelled by global market situation," the foreign ministry said. 

Reiterating this stance, the ministry vowed to take necessary actions to protect its national interests. 

India had earlier accused the West of engaging in trade with Russia without the compulsion of any national interests, unlike in its case. "It is revealing that the very nations criticising India are themselves indulging in trade with Russia. Unlike our case, such trade is not even a vital national compulsion," according to the statement. 

Targeting the US for its double standards of engaging in trade with Russia while threatening other nations, it added that the US continues to import uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, palladium for its electric vehicle industry, as well as fertilisers and chemicals from Russia.