"India should retaliate": Shashi Tharoor on 50% Trump Tariffs

India must consider imposing reciprocal tariffs on American imports if diplomatic efforts with the United States fail to resolve the ongoing trade dispute, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor told NDTV. He called for parity in response, suggesting that if Washington escalates duties to 50 per cent, New Delhi should mirror the move.

“We should begin with dialogue, but it’s unclear why Mr. Trump is treating India with such impatience. China was given a 90-day window, but we’ve only received 21 days,” Tharoor remarked outside Parliament. “If they’ve hiked tariffs to 50 per cent, then our response must match that level.”

Currently, India imposes an average 17 per cent tariff on US goods. Tharoor believes this should be increased to 50 per cent to ensure balanced treatment and signal that India won’t accept one-sided actions.

The new 25 per cent levy imposed by the Trump administration is seen as punishment for India’s continued imports of discounted Russian crude oil — a practice India has defended as essential for its energy security. The Ministry of External Affairs denounced the US action as “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable,” adding that other nations, including China, were engaging in similar practices without facing penalties.

When asked whether India should continue sourcing energy from Russia despite US pressure, Tharoor argued for a market-driven approach. “We should purchase oil and gas based on affordability. If Russian supplies are cheaper, why shouldn’t we benefit from that? Our economy requires reliable and affordable energy for growth,” he said.

Trade negotiations between India and the US have stalled amid the tariff standoff. One major point of contention has been India’s resistance to opening up sensitive sectors like agriculture, in order to protect its rural economy. After the fresh round of tariffs took effect, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a firm statement defending domestic interests: “The welfare of our farmers, fishers, and livestock rearers is non-negotiable. I know I may pay a personal price for this, but I am prepared. India stands ready to protect them.”

Responding to the Prime Minister’s remarks, Tharoor emphasised that agriculture is a lifeline for a significant portion of the Indian population. “Whether it’s Modi’s government or ours, our duty is to stand with the farmers,” he said. He also hinted at a broader diplomatic shift, stating, “Our genuine allies will understand this position. Those who don’t — those who undervalue their relationship with us — perhaps it’s time we explored other global partnerships.”