Thu Mar 06 15:40:00 UTC 2025: ## India Assures Exporters Despite US Retaliatory Tariffs
**Visakhapatnam, India** – Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has assured Indian exporters that the government will prioritize their interests despite the US imposing significant retaliatory tariffs on Indian goods. She stated that the government is actively working to mitigate any negative impact from the tariff increase and that Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is already in the US to negotiate with American representatives. Sitharaman expressed optimism about the outcome of these discussions.
During a meeting in Visakhapatnam, Sitharaman also addressed concerns regarding ongoing central government projects in Andhra Pradesh (AP). She confirmed continued funding for all projects, emphasizing the government’s commitment to support AP initiatives. She specifically mentioned the complete central funding for the Polavaram project, loan assistance for Amaravati construction, and increased funding for the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.
The Finance Minister also highlighted the success of the Jal Jeevan Mission in providing clean drinking water to several villages previously affected by pollution near the Godavari river. Furthermore, she predicted that 95% of income tax payers would transition to the new tax regime by next year. The minister launched a new credit assessment model for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) during her visit.
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