India has said it will not give in to pressure from Washington after the United States placed a 50% tariff on many Indian goods. Trade Minister Piyush Goyal, speaking at a construction industry event in New Delhi on Friday, stressed that the country would instead focus on opening new markets and strengthening exports.
The duties, which took effect this week, are meant to punish New Delhi for its large-scale purchase of Russian oil. Since returning to the White House, President Donald Trump has relied heavily on tariffs as a policy weapon, causing fresh strain in global trade.
India had earlier denounced the levies as unfair and unreasonable. Talks between both nations have been stuck over agriculture and dairy products, with Trump seeking wider access for US farmers while Prime Minister Narendra Modi insists on protecting India’s farming community.
The US was India’s top export market in 2024, with shipments worth $87.3 billion. But experts warn that a 50% duty is almost like a trade ban and could hit smaller firms hardest. Some exporters of seafood, textiles, and jewelry say they are already losing American buyers to rivals in Bangladesh and Vietnam.
Goyal said the government will roll out support measures soon and expressed confidence that exports this year will surpass last year’s figures.
