Hours after US President Donald Trump announced a 25 per cent tariff “plus a penalty” on Indian goods, the government responded, saying it had taken note of the statement and was studying its implications.

Responding to the post, the Government of India said in a statement: “India and the US have been engaged in negotiations on concluding a fair, balanced and mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement over the last few months.”

It added: “We remain committed to that objective.”

Reiterating its priorities, the statement said: “The Government attaches the utmost importance to protecting and promoting the welfare of our farmers, entrepreneurs, and MSMEs.”

New Delhi also stressed: “The Government will take all steps necessary to secure our national interest, as has been the case with other trade agreements including the latest Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with the UK.”