Shashi Tharoor Warns US Tariffs Could Make Indian Exports Unviable

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has expressed concern over the US imposing a 25% tariff on countries trading with Iran, warning it could raise India's effective export tariffs to 75% when combined with existing sanctions. He highlighted that India already faces higher tariffs than regional competitors like Vietnam, Thailand, and Bangladesh, which receive rates between 15% and 19% on labour-intensive exports such as gems, jewellery, and marine products. Tharoor cautioned that such high tariffs may render Indian exports to the US unviable except for pharmaceuticals.