Congress protests US imposition of reciprocal tariffs on India
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PTI photo.
New Delhi: The Congress party protested the imposition of reciprocal tariffs or import duties by the US and demanded that the Modi government should answer on the matter. Congress MPs protested the matter in the Parliament House complex, PTI reported.
Congress and other opposition MPs raised the issue as the Lok Sabha proceedings began, but with the treasury benches protesting Sonia Gandhi's recent criticism of the government, the House was adjourned till 12 noon.
After that, Congress MPs, along with some opposition leaders such as Arvind Sawant of the Shiv Sena (UBT), protested on the steps of the Makar Dwar of Parliament. They also took out a march against the imposition of tariffs by the US and demanded that the government answer the issue in Parliament.
The MPs raised slogans against the Modi government and the US dispensation's move.
Congress leader and leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, said the tariffs imposed by the US are going to "completely devastate" the Indian economy, particularly in sectors like the auto industry, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture.
The US has announced 27 per cent reciprocal tariffs on India, saying New Delhi imposes high import duties on American goods, as the Donald Trump administration aims to reduce the country's trade deficit and boost manufacturing.
The move is expected to impact India's exports to the US. However, experts say that India is better-placed than its competitors, who also face increased levies.
President Trump, in a historic measure to counter higher duties on American products imposed globally, announced reciprocal tariffs on about 60 countries.