‘Dairy sector is livelihood, not leverage’: After Trump tariff, Suresh Prabhu warns against one sided trade deal

After US president Donald Trump announced a 25 % tariff and an unspecified punishment for Indian imports, former Trade Minister Sorich Prabho called for a return to balanced negotiations and warned against targeting the rural backbone in India in commercial talks. Brabho wrote on X.

Trump’s declaration, which comes into effect as of August 1, directly links the definitions to the constant defense and energy defense with Russia. He said, “Thus, India will pay a tariff of 25 %, in addition to the penalty of what was mentioned above, starting from August first,” he said. He also accused India of maintaining “arduous commercial barriers and non -cash,” and claimed that the Indian definitions were “among the highest in the world.”

Brabho, who served as Minister of Commerce during the first Moody administration and participated directly in trade discussions with the previous Trump term, stressed the need for a framework that is rooted in common values.

He wrote: “I hope that the United States of America and India will return to negotiations to distribute a well -beneficial trade deal. Both countries always talk about our common values, and therefore they need a trade trade agreement to enhance these basics.” As Modi-1 Trade Minister, I dealt with Trump-1. I have complete confidence @narendramodi will protect our national interests. “

India has resisted our demands for the obligatory concessions in sensitive sectors such as agriculture and dairy-especially for GM crops and American dairy products. No privileges in any previous free trade agreement have been granted. Instead, India seeks to a decrease in additional definitions by 26 % imposed by the United States, along with the satisfaction of high graphics on steel, aluminum (about 50 %) and cars (25 %).

On the other hand, India is looking for expanded access to markets in dense labor sectors such as clothes, textiles, leather, gemstones, jewelry, plastic materials, chemicals, shrimp, oil seeds, grapes and bananas. The American negotiating center still focuses on providing access to industrial goods, electric cars, wine, petrochemicals, and a wide range of agricultural elements and dairy.

The Ministry of Commerce issued an official response after announcing the Trump tariff. The ministry said: “The government has noticed a statement issued by the American President on bilateral trade. The government is studying its effects. India and the United States have participated in negotiations on concluding a fair, balanced trade agreement and mutually beneficial during the past few months. We are still committed to this goal.”

He added: “The government is attached to the utmost importance to protect and enhance the welfare of our farmers, businessmen and main companies.