New Delhi: External affairs minister S Jaishankar, on Sunday, called the tariffs levied on India ‘unfair’ and said that India is trying to resolve trade issues with the United States.
“We have issues with the United States today – mainly that we haven’t yet reached a landing ground in our trade discussions. This has led to certain tariffs being levied on us, which we have publicly said are unfair,” the minister said while speaking at the Kautilya Economic Conclave (KEC 2025).
US president Donald Trump levied a steep 25% tariff on Indian shipments, and then added an additional 25% as penalty for purchase of crude from Russia.
Speaking on India-US relations, Jaishankar said, “There is also a second tariff related to sourcing energy from Russia, whereas other countries, even those with more adversarial relations with Russia, have done so. These issues need to be resolved, and we are actively working on them…”
India and the US have already concluded five rounds of negotiations for a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). A preparatory meeting for another round was held in the end of September.
“At the end of the day, there has to be a trade understanding with the United States because it is the world’s largest market, and also because much of the world has reached this understanding,” Jaishankar said, adding: “It has to be an understanding where our bottom lines, our red lines are respected.”
“In recent years, we’ve seen a completely new level in the application of sanctions, even the seizure of sovereign assets. The rise of crypto, and competition for rare earths and critical minerals have become major factors shaping global rivalries,” the minister said.
He also emphasized on the changing energy dynamics around the world, especially the US which is now a significant exporter of energy.
“One of the big changes in recent years is that the United States, which for decades worried about its external energy dependence, has not only become self-sufficient but is now a significant exporter of energy and has made it a key part of its strategic outlook,” Jaishankar said.
“Just as the US has emerged as a champion of fossil fuels, China has established itself as a leader in renewables – so, whichever path you take on renewables, all roads eventually lead there as well,” he added.