India Dismisses Reports on US Tariff Exemptions as Misinformation
India refutes claims of reviewing US goods’ tariff exemptions.
India’s Foreign Ministry has dismissed false reports claiming the Narendra Modi government is reviewing US products exempted from import duties amid escalating tariff tensions with the United States. The ministry’s fact-checking arm, MEA FactCheck, also debunked allegations that India is considering suspending bilateral agreements if US “hostile economic policies” persist, labeling them “FAKE News.”
The clarification followed misleading posts by an X account, ‘China in English,’ which claimed India was reevaluating tariff exemptions for US goods and demanded “mutual respect.” MEA FactCheck also flagged another account, ‘Middle Eastern Affairs,’ for spreading disinformation on the issue. “Be aware,” the ministry warned, urging vigilance against such claims.
The rebuttal comes as US President Donald Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Indian exports and threatened further penalties over India’s purchases of Russian oil and arms, citing its trade ties with Moscow. Trump falsely claimed India had stopped buying Russian oil, a statement refuted by Indian sources who emphasized the country’s long-term oil contracts. “It’s not so simple to stop overnight,” a government official told Reuters.
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Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, addressing Parliament, said the government is assessing the tariffs’ impact and consulting stakeholders, including exporters and industry. “We will take all necessary steps to secure our national interest,” Goyal affirmed, prioritizing the welfare of farmers, workers, and businesses.
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