India responds to Trump's 50% India tariff move, calling it a violation of trade norms and a blow to bilateral ties.

India has issued a strong diplomatic and economic rebuttal to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order imposing a 50% tariff on Indian imports, calling the move “unfair, unjustified, and violative of global trade norms.” The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Ministry of Commerce jointly condemned the action, stating that it undermines years of trade cooperation and could cause "serious disruptions in bilateral economic relations."

In an official statement, Indian officials emphasized that the move lacks transparency, violates World Trade Organization (WTO) principles, and appears politically motivated rather than economically justified. The government noted that such a sharp tariff increase would harm small and medium Indian exporters, and in turn, negatively affect U.S. consumers and businesses relying on Indian goods.

India is reportedly exploring legal remedies through the WTO dispute settlement mechanism and preparing countermeasures, including retaliatory tariffs on selected U.S. goods such as agricultural products, electronics, and industrial machinery.

Economists and trade experts believe this escalation could spark a mini trade war, especially in the lead-up to U.S. elections, where Trump's protectionist policies are gaining renewed attention. Despite the strain, India affirmed that it remains open to constructive dialogue with U.S. officials to resolve the dispute through diplomatic channels.

The response signals India’s strong stance on safeguarding its economic interests while reinforcing the importance of balanced and fair international trade f

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