New Delhi, July 31 (H.S.): Congress MP Shashi Tharoor criticized the 25 percent tariff imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on India, framing it as a bargaining tactic amidst ongoing trade negotiations. He warned that this tax might escalate to 35 to 40 percent, which would severely impact India's economy, particularly if India loses its export market in the U.S., potentially resulting in a 0.5 percent loss in GDP growth.

Tharoor pointed out the substantial significance of the U.S. market, where Indian exports range between $87 and $90 billion. He deemed U.S. trade demands unreasonable, especially considering India's 700 million farmers whose livelihoods could be jeopardized.

He defended India's tariffs, stating that while the average tax on U.S. goods is 17 percent, American products are not competitively priced in Indian markets. Tharoor asserted that if Trump aims to increase sales in India, he must adjust his prices to be more competitive.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar