US President Donald Trump has ruled out the possibility of trade negotiations with India, until the issue of tariffs is resolved. “No, not until we get it resolved,” Trump said in the Oval Office in response to a question on whether he expects increased trade negotiations with India since he has announced 50 per cent tariffs on the country.

Last week, Trump had announced 25 per cent reciprocal tariffs on India that came into effect from August 7. He also signed an order slapping an additional 25 per cent levy on India for New Delhi’s purchases of Russian oil, bringing the total duties to 50 per cent, among the highest imposed by the US on any country in the world. The additional 25 per cent duty will come into effect after 21 days or August 27.

Responding to the tariffs, the Ministry of External Affairs has said that the targeting of India is “unjustified and unreasonable”. “Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security,” it said.