New Delhi: India will take all necessary steps to safeguard and promote national interest, Union commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal said Thursday, a day after US President Donald Trump announced 25% tariffs plus a penalty on domestic exports to America from August 1.
In a suo motu statement in both houses of Parliament, he said, the govt is examining the implications of these tariffs and is engaged with all stakeholders, including exporters and industry, for taking feedback of their assessment of the situation. “The govt attaches the utmost importance to protecting and promoting the welfare of our farmers, workers, entrepreneurs, exporters, MSMEs and all sections of industry,” he said.
The surprise announcement by Trump came amid a US trade team visiting India from Aug 25 for the sixth round of negotiations for the proposed bilateral trade agreement. Goyal’s remarks are important as India has hardened its stance on giving duty concessions to the US on agriculture and dairy sectors – a key demand of US in the trade talks with India. agencies
