India has extended safeguard duties on certain steel products for three years, until April 2028, to protect domestic producers and downstream supply chains. The duty will start at 12 percent in the first year, decreasing annually to 11 percent by the third year. Experts and industry bodies like PHDCCI and Assocham view this as a measure to balance the domestic market, reduce pressure from low-cost imports, and promote fair competition and self-reliance in India's industrial strategy.