Shashi Tharoor urges retaliatory tariffs as US hikes duties on Indian goods

Amid escalating trade tensions between India and the United States, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has urged New Delhi to respond robustly to US President Donald Trump’s imposition of steep tariffs on Indian goods. Speaking to NDTV outside Parliament, Tharoor asserted that India should first attempt negotiation with Washington, DC, but should not hesitate to adopt a reciprocal tariff regime if talks do not yield results. “If you do this to us, we will do the same,” Tharoor stated, advocating for a matching 50% tariff on US imports, in direct response to the US raising its duties to that level on Indian products.

US tariffs seen as 'unfair and unjustified'

The Trump administration’s decision to levy an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports—on top of an earlier 25%—was described as a penalty for India’s continued purchase of Russian crude oil. India currently imports significant quantities of Russian oil, citing energy security and affordability as primary concerns. Indian officials have repeatedly pointed out that several other nations, including China, also purchase Russian oil but have not faced such severe trade penalties. Tharoor echoed the government’s stance, labelling the US action as “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable,” and called it “extremely unfortunate.” He questioned the apparent discrepancy in treatment: “They gave a 90-day deadline to China and just 21 days to us,” he noted, suggesting that India is being singled out for punitive measures.

India’s economic interests come first

Asked about the possibility of India continuing to import Russian oil despite mounting US pressure, Tharoor was clear: “We need to look at the market and decide where to buy oil and gas from. If Russian oil is a lot cheaper than rates offered by other countries, why can’t we profit from it? We need oil and gas for development activities.” Tharoor maintained that energy security and economic development remain paramount for India, and the country must act in its own best interests, regardless of external pressure.

Trade talks stalled, farmers' interests non-negotiable

The recent escalation in tariffs comes as India-US trade negotiations have stalled. One of the primary sticking points is India’s resistance to opening up its agricultural sector to greater US access, with the Modi government determined to protect domestic farmers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a strong message following the new US tariffs, stated, “The interest of farmers is our top priority. India will never compromise with the interests of its farmers, livestock holders, and fishermen.” Tharoor voiced support for this position, underlining the importance of agriculture in India’s economy: “No matter whose government it is, Modi ji’s or ours, we need to stand with the farmers,” he said.

Need for strategic recalibration

Looking ahead, Tharoor suggested that India may need to reevaluate its international partnerships given the ongoing tension with the US. “Our true friends abroad will understand this, but those who are not ready to understand, who do not value our relationship as much we value it, we need to look for other friends,” he remarked, hinting at a possible diversification of India’s strategic relations.

In summary, Shashi Tharoor's comments reflect a growing sentiment within India’s political establishment that, unless Washington softens its stance, Delhi should be prepared to retaliate strongly with matching tariffs and prioritize its own economic interests—especially those of its farmers and energy consumers. Tharoor’s message is that India’s path forward should blend assertive negotiation with pragmatic self-interest, ensuring the country’s development and sovereignty are not compromised by external pressures.