MEA reacts as Trump's 26% tariffs on India take effect: 'Our position was made clear ...'

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal

The external affairs ministry on Wednesday said that India is studying the implications of 26% reciprocal tariffs announced by US against India and talks are underway for a speedy conclusion of a mutually beneficial trade pact.

Addressing a weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed hope that India and US will close the multi-sectoral bilateral trade agreement soon.

Asked about US imposing 26% tariff on Indian imports, Jaiswal said: "On the 3rd, we had a detailed press release issued by the Ministry of Commerce where India's position was made clear. We are studying the implications of the tariffs that have been announced ... discussions are ongoing between India and US Trade teams for an expeditious conclusion of a mutually beneficial multi-sectoral bilateral trade agreement. India values its comprehensive global strategic partnership with the US and is committed to working closely with it ... Both teams are in discussion and hopefully we can close it."

Jaiswal said that India and US are hoping to conclude the bilateral agreement by autumn of 2025, adding that the same was mentioned during the joint statement following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with President Donald Trump in Washington DC.

Earlier today, external affairs minister S Jaishankar said that India is engaging with the Trump administration in the United States to reach an agreement on tariffs, in his first response since the reciprocal tariffs kicked in on April 9.

Speaking at the News18 Rising Bharat Summit in New Delhi, Jaishankar said, "India's strategy to combat reciprocal tariffs is to engage with the Trump administration and discuss terms with the Americans."

On April 2, Donald Trump announced "discounted" reciprocal tariffs against several trading partners, including India. As per the tariff chart displayed by Trump, India faces 26% tariffs on all goods exported to US.

India does not plan to retaliate against Trump's 26% tariff on imports from the Asian nation as talks for a deal between the countries progress, Reuters has reported.