Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 11: In a bold response to Washington's increased tariffs on metal imports, India has doubled its proposed retaliatory duties against the United States at the World Trade Organisation (WTO). This comes after US President Donald Trump raised tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from 25% to 50% in June.

In an official notification to the WTO, India asserted its right to adjust the list of targeted products and tariff rates to counter the higher US duties. While New Delhi had earlier pegged its retaliation amount at $1.9 billion, it has now doubled the recovery target to $3.8 billion, matching Trump’s move to double American import levies.

India’s reaction signals growing unease amid strained bilateral trade talks with the US. Despite initial rounds of negotiations aimed at clinching a bilateral trade deal ahead of the July 9 deadline, both sides failed to reach a consensus. With the new tariff truce deadline set for August 1, negotiators are working against the clock to find middle ground.

The retaliatory move follows earlier warnings issued by India in May, where it had already notified the WTO of its intent to raise import duties on a selection of US-origin goods to offset the impact of America’s Section 232 tariffs, which had significantly hit Indian steel and aluminium exports.

With trade tensions escalating and the clock ticking toward another key deadline, all eyes are now on the next round of India-US talks as both sides attempt to prevent the spat from spiralling into a full-blown trade conflict.