Government to update Shashi Tharoor-led panel on key points in India-US trade talks

The Indian government will brief the Shashi Tharoor-led Standing Committee on External Affairs today, August 11, about the latest developments in India’s foreign policy. The main focus will be on the ongoing trade dispute between India and the United States, especially the recent increase in tariffs.

Officials from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Ministry of Commerce & Industry are scheduled to meet the committee at 4 pm. The briefing will cover the status of trade negotiations and the impact of US policies on Indian exports.

Tharoor urges action to protect India’s trade interests

Committee chairperson Shashi Tharoor has called the situation “serious” and warned that India must act to safeguard its own economic interests. He was responding to the US decision to impose 50% tariffs on several Indian goods.

“What is happening is concerning,” Tharoor said. “The United States has been a close partner, and we have worked together as strategic allies. If they have changed their approach, India will need to rethink its position. Perhaps in the next two to three weeks, we can hold discussions and find a solution. But we must also ensure that our own interests are protected.”

Tharoor pointed out that India’s annual trade with the US is worth around $90 billion. If American buyers face 50% higher costs on Indian goods, they might choose products from other countries instead. He suggested that India should consider imposing an equal 50% tariff on American exports in response. “No country can threaten us like this,” he added.

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US tariffs linked to Russian oil imports, India vows strong response

The tariff increase was ordered by US President Donald Trump through an Executive Order. The US cited “national security” and “foreign policy concerns” as reasons, specifically pointing to India’s imports of oil from Russia.

The Ministry of External Affairs has strongly criticised the US move, calling it “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.” Indian officials have made it clear that they will take all necessary steps to protect the country’s economic and strategic interests.

This dispute comes at a time when India and the US are major trading partners, and both countries have been trying to strengthen strategic cooperation in areas like defence, technology, and energy. The outcome of these talks and policy decisions could have a major impact on future trade relations.