Indian-origin Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal criticised President Trump’s tariffs on Indian goods, saying they are raising prices for Americans and also pushing India closer to other global powers.
In a post on X, Jayapal said, “Trump’s tariffs on India aren’t only raising prices for Americans — they are pushing India away as a trading ally and giving the country more incentive to partner with Russia and China. That hurts our economy and makes us all less safe.”
During a congressional hearing, Jayapal questioned expert witness Sameer Lalwani about the impact of these tariffs and how India could feel its neighbouring countries, Pakistan and Bangladesh, have lower tariffs.
She said, “In August, President Trump doubled tariffs on many Indian goods to 50%. How concerned is India over the fact that its neighbors, Pakistan and Bangladesh, have secured lower tariff rates than India, while India continues to actively negotiate? And how could the perception that the U.S. is no longer a reliable partner impact India’s relationship with BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization?”
Lalwani responded that the tariffs are a significant concern for India, limiting export potential and increasing costs. He warned that the measures could push India closer to BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, running counter to the intended goals of the tariffs.
Since August, Trump’s trade policy has raised duties on Indian imports, including textiles, gems, leather, and seafood, in some cases up to 50%.
Indian officials and industry groups warn that these high tariffs could sharply reduce exports to the US, India’s largest export market, putting jobs in labour-intensive sectors at risk.
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Read MoreThe TOI Business Desk is a vigilant and dedicated team of journalists committed to delivering the latest and most relevant business news from around the world to readers of The Times of India. The primary focus of the TOI Business Desk is to keep a watchful eye on the global business landscape, covering a wide spectrum of industries, markets, economic trends, in-depth analysis, exclusive reports and breaking stories that impact businesses and economies. With a mission to provide valuable insights and updates, the desk ensures that TOI readers are well-informed about the ever-changing and dynamic world of commerce and can navigate the complexities of the business world.
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