India-US Ties Under Strain as Trump Doubles Tariffs Amid Concerns Over Economic Impact

Congress leader and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor expressed support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "very positive" response to US President Donald Trump's remarks on US-India ties. Despite concerns over the impact of Trump's 50 per cent tariff on India, PM Modi noted that India and the US have a very positive and forward-looking comprehensive and global strategic partnership. However, the tariffs have already "hurt" India, with the gems and jewellery sector in Surat and garment factories in Tiruppur being affected.

Key Takeaways:

India's gems and jewellery sector in Surat and garment factories in Tiruppur have been affected by Trump's tariffs.
The tariffs have already "hurt" India, with diamond traders in Gujarat's Surat expressing concerns over the severe crisis they are facing.
India and the US have a very positive and forward-looking comprehensive and global strategic partnership, according to PM Modi.
PM Modi has responded "very positively" to Trump's remarks, but there is still a lot of work to be done to heal the breach and come to an agreement on tariffs.
The US accounts for approximately 32 per cent of India's diamond exports, with the industry relying heavily on the US market.
Diamond traders in Gujarat's Surat are looking to expand their businesses beyond the US and explore opportunities in the domestic market.
Tamil Nadu's ruling DMK government has asked PM Modi to take steps to protect the state's western region, which houses the textiles industry.

Statistics:

50 per cent: The percentage of tariffs imposed by Trump on India.
32 per cent: The percentage of India's diamond exports that go to the US.
800,000: The number of skilled artisans employed in India's diamond industry.
765 million: The value of India's diamond exports in 2020.
2020: The year in which India's diamond exports were valued at $765 million.

Sources:

PTI News Agency
ANI News Agency
Hindustan Times