Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal declared that India will not "bow" to the new U.S. tariffs, emphasizing the country’s focus on opening alternative markets and boosting exports.
Speaking at an event in New Delhi, Goyal affirmed India’s readiness to sign free trade agreements with any partner but stressed that the country "will not appear weak." He added that the government will soon announce measures to support affected sectors, according to The Times of India.
Last week, the U.S. imposed a 50% tariff on several Indian goods exported to America—a move Washington described as “punishment” for New Delhi’s substantial purchases of Russian oil.
These developments come amid rising tensions in U.S.-India trade relations, with New Delhi calling the tariffs “unfair and unjustified,” especially as negotiations over agriculture and dairy products have stalled.
Analysts warn that the new tariffs amount to a “trade ban” that could harm small businesses. Exports of textiles, seafood, and jewelry have already suffered losses due to canceled U.S. orders in favor of competitors like Bangladesh and Vietnam.