India Confronts US over 25% Tariff after Trump Signs Oil Deal with Pakistan

DID Press: US President Donald Trump signed a trade deal with Pakistan on Wednesday, hours after announcing a 25% tariff on Indian goods and an “unspecified penalty” for buying arms and energy from Russia.

The deal includes cooperation to develop Pakistan’s vast oil reserves, which is to be led by a selected company. Trump wrote on his social media: “Maybe one day the oil produced by this project will be exported to India.”

Trump also announced that a 25% tariff on imports of Indian goods would be implemented in August. He called India’s tariffs among the highest in the world and stressed that New Delhi has the strictest non-tariff barriers to trade with the US. He added that India is the largest buyer of Russian energy and military equipment and for this reason will face an additional penalty.

In response, the Indian government responded with a firm statement, saying it will defend the interests of farmers, entrepreneurs, and its economy, calling the US action unfair.
New Delhi has stressed that it will resist US tariffs and pressure.

Trump has also set a deadline for dozens of countries to sign trade agreements with the US by 1st August, or face tariffs higher than the base rate of 10 percent.

This policy reflects the Trump administration’s aggressive approach to trade relations with Asian countries and allies