India said it has taken note of US President Donald Trump’s statement regarding a 25% tariff on Indian imports and is currently studying its implications. In an official response, the government emphasised that India and the United States have been engaged in ongoing trade negotiations aimed at concluding a fair, balanced and mutually beneficial agreement.

“The Government has taken note of a statement by the US President on bilateral trade. The Government is studying its implications," the statement by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry stated, reaffirming India’s commitment to furthering bilateral trade ties.
The response follows Donald Trump’s post on his social media platform Truth Social, in which he accused India of maintaining excessively high tariffs, “strenuous and obnoxious" non-monetary trade barriers. Donald Trump announced that Indian imports would face a 25% tariff starting August 1, along with an unspecified penalty.
 

The US President wrote that such barriers had hindered meaningful trade between the two countries.

“All things not good," Donald Trump wrote, adding that the tariff and penalty were meant as a direct response to these concerns. India did not directly address Donald Trump’s criticisms but reiterated its position that trade policy must safeguard domestic interests, particularly those sectors most vulnerable to global disruptions.
 

“The Government attaches the utmost importance to protecting and promoting the welfare of our farmers, entrepreneurs, and MSMEs. India will take all steps necessary to secure our national interest," the statement added.

India also referenced its broader approach to trade diplomacy, pointing to the recently concluded Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with the United Kingdom as an example of how it seeks to balance economic opportunity with strategic sovereignty.