India Criticizes US Tariffs

The United States has proposed additional tariffs on imports from several countries, including India, citing failure to curb forced labour practices. Responding to this, India criticized the US stance as inconsistent. Joint Secretary of the Indian Commerce Ministry, Brij Mohan Mishra, stated that while the US imposes heavy tariffs on certain goods, it grants exemptions on nearly 1,600 essential items for its domestic needs.

He further noted that such a policy undermines global efforts to eliminate forced labour from supply chains. The US is imposing lower tariffs on textiles made from its own cotton compared to products made using Indian raw materials, creating imbalances in the industry. India has expressed willingness to engage in discussions on these concerns, even as trade agreement talks between the two nations continue.