‘These actions are unfair, unjustified, and irrational,” PM Modi’s administration stated.

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump imposed an additional 25% tariff on imports from India in retaliation for the country’s continued purchases of Russian oil, bringing the total tariff on Indian goods to 50%.

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The new tariff will take effect in 21 days, on Aug. 27. The United States had already imposed a 25% tariff on Indian imports in an earlier effort to reduce the bilateral trade deficit.

Last week, Trump gave Russia a 10-day deadline to declare a cease-fire in Ukraine. That deadline expires Friday, when the U.S. president may announce new sanctions against Russia.

On Monday, Trump threatened to increase tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil, describing the move as a way to pressure President Vladimir Putin to halt the fighting in Ukraine.

Despite growing U.S. pressure, India has defended its imports of Russian oil as a matter of “national interest” and a step that contributes to global energy stability.

“It is extremely unfortunate that the U.S. chooses to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that many other countries are also undertaking in their own national interest. We reiterate that these actions are unfair, unjustified, and irrational,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration stated.

“Trump’s 50% tariff is economic blackmail — an attempt to bully India into an unfair trade deal. PM Modi better not let his weakness override the interests of the Indian people,” said Rahul Gandhi, a member of the Indian National Congress.

teleSUR/ JF

Source: EFE

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