The Shashi Tharoor-led Standing Committee on External Affairs will receive a briefing from representatives of the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Commerce & Industry on India’s foreign policy, with a focus on escalating US-India trade negotiations and tariffs, according to ANI. The briefing comes amid heightened tensions following the US imposition of 50% tariffs on Indian goods, including steel and aluminum, half of which target India’s purchase of Russian oil as a punitive measure to pressure Russia over the Ukraine conflict.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, speaking at an event in Madhya Pradesh on August 10, took a veiled jab at US President Donald Trump, suggesting that some nations, envious of India’s rapid progress, aim to undermine its global competitiveness by making Indian products more expensive. “They cannot accept how quickly India is moving ahead,” Singh remarked. Trump, responding to questions about trade talks last week, ruled out negotiations with India until the tariff issue is resolved, stating, “No, not until we get it resolved.”

India is now considering retaliatory tariffs to counter the US’s 50% duties, sources familiar with the matter told ANI. The Tharoor-led panel’s briefing will address these developments, as India seeks to protect its economic interests amid growing trade frictions with the US.

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