MEA Refutes Fake Reports Amid US-India Tariff Spat; Trade Talks Continue Despite Trump’s 25% Tariff Blow

Amid escalating tensions over the 25% tariff imposed by US President Donald Trump on Indian imports, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stepped in to debunk misleading claims circulating on social media regarding India’s response.

MEA’s Fact-Check Unit Clears the Air

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the MEA’s fact-check unit categorically denied reports claiming that India was reviewing tariff exemptions for US goods. It also dismissed suggestions that New Delhi was considering suspending bilateral agreements with Washington if “hostile economic policies” persist.

“These claims are fabricated and misleading,” the fact-check posts stated, urging the public to rely only on verified sources for updates on foreign policy matters.

Trade Talks Still On Track

Despite the abrupt tariff announcement from the White House, sources told Hindustan Times that diplomatic engagement between the two countries remains active. Officials from both sides are working toward a mutually beneficial trade agreement, with negotiations continuing virtually.

“The sixth round of in-person talks is scheduled later this month, and the American delegation is expected to arrive in New Delhi on August 24,” a source close to the discussions confirmed.

Trump’s Tariff Strike and Justification

Last week, Donald Trump announced the 25% tariff via Truth Social, citing India’s “unreasonably high tariffs” and “harsh non-monetary trade barriers” as primary reasons. He also linked the decision to India’s continued oil and military imports from Russia, amid the ongoing Ukraine war.

“While India is our friend, we’ve done little business with them over the years because of their very high tariffs and most obnoxious trade barriers in the world,” Trump posted.

In a follow-up post, he escalated the rhetoric, saying:

“Let India and Russia take their dead economies and go down together.”