National interest prime, studying implications: India on Trump’s tariff move 

Taking note of US President Donald Trump’s statement on 25% tariff on imports from India from August 1 plus penalty tariffs for buying Russian oil, India has said it has always kept and will always keep national interest prime in any trade negotiation.

Noting that the government is studying the implications of the statements by Trump, the government said it will take all steps necessary to secure our national interest.

“The government has taken note of a statement by the US President on bilateral trade. The government is studying its implications," an official statement said.

It noted that India and the US have been engaged in negotiations on concluding a fair, balanced and mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement over the last few months.

“We remain committed to that objective. The government attaches utmost importance to protecting and promoting the welfare of our farmers, entrepreneurs and MSMEs.

“The government will take all steps necessary to secure our national interest, as has been the case with other trade agreements including the latest Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with the UK.

Trump’s surprise announcement came just a day after the commerce ministry revealed that US negotiators would be in India on August 25 to conclude the ongoing trade deal talks.

India