Thu Apr 03 16:06:03 UTC 2025: ## India Faces 26% US Tariff, Sparking Political Debate

**New Delhi, India** – The US administration’s imposition of a 26 percent reciprocal tariff on certain Indian goods has ignited a political firestorm in India. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha criticized the move, likening India’s efforts to appease the US to a betrayal of goodwill. Chadha highlighted the Indian government’s removal of a “Google tax” to benefit American companies, questioning the lack of reciprocal benefits. He lamented, “We went the extra mile, even removing a tax to help American businesses, but received this in return?”

The Indian government, however, has adopted a more measured response. Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary stated that the government will “analyse and assess the impact” of the tariffs before determining a course of action. Chaudhary referenced the contrasting trade philosophies of US President Donald Trump (“America First”) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi (“India First”), suggesting that India will prioritize its own interests in responding to the new tariffs.

The tariffs, announced by President Trump in April, are part of a broader global trade policy focused on fairness and reciprocity. They range from 10 percent (UK) to 46 percent (Vietnam), with China facing the highest rate at 34 percent. While India’s tariff is relatively low compared to some other nations, it affects steel, aluminum, and auto-related goods, posing a challenge to the Indian manufacturing sector. Experts note that while some Indian goods might benefit from competitive pricing compared to those from other countries, the 27 percent tariff on other products presents a complex situation for Indian exporters.

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