Thursday, August 7, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog

Understanding Life Insurance: A Simple Guide for Families in the Northeast

0

Life is full of uncertainties, and while you can’t predict the future, you can certainly take meaningful steps to prepare for it.  In the Northeastern part of India, where traditions are deeply rooted and families maintain strong bonds with one another, planning ahead is important. And that’s where life insurance enters the picture — a security blanket that takes care of your loved ones when you are no longer around.

The concept of life insurance and how to choose the best policy for your family’s needs can be quite challenging to understand. This guide aims to simplify things.

What is Life Insurance?

Life insurance is an agreement between a person and an insurance company. The insured pays regular premiums, and in return, the company promises to give a fixed amount of money to the family if the insured passes away during the time the policy is active. This payout can help the family pay for daily needs, repay any loans, or save for future goals like children’s school.

Why Northeast Families Need Life Insurance

The Northeast India region is renowned for its way of life, strong family bonds and reliance on salaried jobs and small businesses. Life insurance becomes increasingly crucial for families for the following reasons:

  • Dependence on singular incomes: Many households depend on the income of a single member; hence, extensional financial protection is necessary.
  • Support for ageing parents: Families may include dependent parents who might not have a pension or sufficient savings.
  • Educational goals: Given the comparatively high rates of literacy, the emphasis on education has made education for children without interruption an utmost priority.

Types of Life Insurance Policies You Should Know

Before buying a life insurance policy, it’s important to know the different types. Some of the most common ones include: 

1. Term Life Insurance

This is the most basic and affordable type of life insurance. The policyholder pays a fixed amount (called a premium) for a selected time period, like 10, 20, or 30 years. If the policyholder passes away during this time, the family gets the promised money (called the sum assured). Term plans offer maximum coverage at minimal premiums, making them among the best life insurance policy types for budget-conscious families.

2. Whole Life Insurance

This policy ensures the policyholder for their entire life, usually up to age 99 or 100. The premium is higher, but it also builds cash value over time that can be withdrawn or borrowed against.

3. Endowment Plans

The policy primarily provides life insurance coverage combined with a savings component. Upon surviving the stipulated term, the policyholder qualifies for a maturity benefit, which may assist with furthering some long-term financial goals like funding a child’s higher education or marriage.

4. Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs)

ULIP provides both insurance and investment. Part of the premium is invested in market-linked funds, and the other part is used for life cover. ULIPs are suitable for individuals who are comfortable with moderate investment risk.

How to Choose the Most Suitable Life Insurance Policy for Your Family

The right policy choice goes beyond price comparison. Here are some things that Northeast families need to check:

  • Assess your family’s financial needs, both present and future, commitments, and dreams.
  • Choose a suitable coverage level of 10 to 15 times your annual income.
  • Select a policy duration that aligns with your dependents’ expected financial independence.
  • Compare policy exclusions and benefits by closely examining the terms and conditions.
  • Consider your income cycle and select a premium payment mode that suits your lifestyle best.

Common Life Insurance Terms Explained

Understanding some common terms can make it much easier to select the best life insurance policy:

  • Sum Assured: The amount paid to your nominee in the event of death within the policy term
  • Premium: The sum you pay periodically to maintain the policy in force
  • Maturity Benefit: The sum received at the end of the policy duration if you live (applicable only in non-term plans)
  • Riders: Additional features, such as critical illness or accidental death benefits, that provide additional coverage

The Advantages of Purchasing Life Insurance Early

Beginning early translates into cheaper premiums and greater coverage. Here’s why:

  • Younger individuals are viewed as low-risk by insurance companies
  • Planning early guarantees that long-term goals like a house or children’s education are well protected

Even a small policy, if bought at the right time, can make a big difference in terms of security and peace of mind.

Avoid the Following Mistakes While Buying Life Insurance

While choosing the best life insurance policy, don’t make the following mistakes:

  • Buying insufficient cover to save on premiums
  • Choosing investment-based policies without knowing what’s at risk in the market
  • Not openly expressing habits in life or medical conditions
  • Failure to pay premiums, leading to policy lapse
  • Not checking or changing the nominee details when needed

Conclusion

Whether you are a young parent, an entrepreneur, or an employed professional, a well-chosen life insurance policy ensures that your family will be able to maintain the same standard of living no matter what occurs in the future. Start early, choose wisely, and review your policy from time to time. Your peace of mind and financial security for your loved ones are worth it.

 

US tariff will deter FDI, hits jobs hard: Owaisi

0

Hyderabad, Aug 7: AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi on Thursday expressed apprehensions that the 50 per cent tariff imposed by the US on India will disrupt supply chains, deter Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and hit jobs hard.

The Hyderabad MP, in a post on social media platform X, reacted strongly to the fresh tariff announced by US President Donald Trump. “Trump just slapped another 25% tariff on India, taking it to 50%, because we bought oil from Russia. This isn’t diplomacy, it’s bullying by the buffoon-in-chief who clearly doesn’t understand how global trade works,” he wrote.

“These tariffs will hurt Indian exporters, MSMEs, and manufacturers. It’ll disrupt supply chains, deter FDI, and hit jobs hard. But why will Narendra Modi care? Where are those BJP muscle-flexers now?” he asked.

“Last time I’d asked if Modi ji would show his 56-inch chest when Trump imposed 56% tariffs. Trump stopped at 50%. Maybe he’s scared of our non-biological PM? Was selling out our strategic autonomy worth filling your friends’ billionaire coffers?” Owaisi had earlier criticised Trump for imposing a 25 per cent tariff.

“It’s sad to see my country’s government being bullied by a buffoon-in-chief in the White House. This tariff will come with a vague ‘penalty’ for trading with Russia. India is independent sovereign country. Not a vassal state that gives salami in the Emperor’s court,” he had said in a post on July 31.

“These measures are a clear and deliberate attack on our sovereignty and economic standing. I’ve raised the issue of rising hostile trade practices against India in Parliament for years. These tariffs will hit Indian MSMEs, manufacturers, IT firms, service providers, and even our farmers. They’ll deter FDI, damage exports, and hurt jobs. While Japan will pay 15%, Vietnam will pay 20% and Indonesia has a tariff of 19%. This will hit India’s competitive advantage for US exports,” he had said.

Questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence, he asked: “Is this the ’56-inch chest’ we were promised? Or will we only see it if Trump raises tariffs to 56%?”

IANS

Air India crash probe ongoing, DGCA conducted 146 audits of major airlines this year: Minister

0

New Delhi, Aug 7: The investigation into the fatal Air India crash on June 12 in Ahmedabad is ongoing, and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will examine all the aspects to determine the probable causes and contributory factors leading to the flight AI 171 accident, the Parliament was informed on Thursday.

The AAIB has published a preliminary report based on the available factual information, and it does not contain any conclusion. “The sole objective of the investigation of an accident or incident shall be the prevention of accidents and incidents and not to apportion blame or liability. All investigations under these Rules are conducted in a fair, impartial and judicious manner, adhering to the relevant standards of Annex 13,” Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, said in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

He further stated that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has conducted 146 maintenance audits on major airlines this year (till July). In the last three years, the aviation regulator conducted 683 audits of scheduled airlines, according to the minister.

The DGCA has established comprehensive guidelines to ensure the safe operation and maintenance of aircraft. Operators are required to comply with guidelines issued by manufacturers, such as Service Bulletins, Airworthiness Directives (ADs), and Maintenance Planning Documents (MPDs), said the minister.

The DGCA adheres to an audit calendar to ensure continuous oversight of all scheduled and non-scheduled airline/operators. Any deviation or rescheduling is addressed with urgency and reported accordingly, he added.

Mohol earlier informed that a total of six aircraft engine shutdown incidents and three Mayday call incidents have been reported this year. IndiGo and SpiceJet each experienced two engine shutdown incidents, while Air India and Alliance Air had one incident each. Three Mayday call incidents occurred, including one involving the Air India aircraft (London Gatwick-bound flight AI 171) that crashed into a building soon after take-off from Ahmedabad on June 12. IndiGo and Air India Express each reported one Mayday call incident. A Mayday call is a widely used distress signal, primarily used in aviation and maritime emergencies.

IANS

Trump tariffs ‘shocking’, India’s growing economy its major strength: Lisa Curtis

New Delhi, Aug 7: Leading foreign policy and national security expert Lisa Curtis, who served as former Deputy Assistant during US President Donald Trump’s first term, on Thursday called the decision by Trump to impose additional tariffs on India “shocking,” while highlighting India’s rapidly growing economy as a major strength in the strategic partnership between the two nations.

Speaking exclusively to IANS, Curtis expressed surprise at the 25 per cent tariff announced by President Trump on Indian imports, especially since China — a strategic rival of the US — has not faced similar measures despite importing Russian oil.

“India is a strategic partner of the United States. China is a strategic rival. So, this really doesn’t make sense,” she told IANS. However, Curtis noted that the recent tariff move marks a shift from the earlier approach during Trump’s first term, when efforts were focused on building trust and strengthening cooperation with India.

“During the first Trump term, we saw a concerted effort to elevate the relationship with India, to build trust and confidence. This tariff decision shows a completely different approach,” she noted.

Curtis, currently a senior fellow and director of the Indo-Pacific Security Program at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), also pointed out the economic realities behind India’s current import patterns, explaining that “India hardly imported any oil from Russia before the Ukraine crisis. Now Russia is one of India’s biggest oil suppliers. It wouldn’t damage India’s economy to shift back to other suppliers.”

Curtis served as deputy assistant to the president and US National Security Council (NSC) Senior Director for South and Central Asia from 2017 to 2021. During her tenure at the NSC, she coordinated US policy development and implementation of the South Asia Strategy approved by the president in 2017 and was a key contributor to the Indo-Pacific Strategic Framework, which included expanding Quad security cooperation.

Addressing US foreign policy more broadly, Curtis warned against an overly narrow focus on tariffs and market access. “You can’t formulate an effective foreign policy by boiling everything down to tariffs,” she said, adding, “relationships are built on military cooperation, political cooperation, and strategic convergence, not just trade.”

Looking ahead, Curtis remains cautiously optimistic about the potential for a positive outcome in the upcoming trade negotiations between the US and India scheduled at the end of August. “We may very well get a deal, and that would help smooth over some of the unhelpful rhetoric of recent weeks,” she noted.

Despite the current tensions, Curtis expressed confidence in India’s economic strength and its important role on the global stage. “India benefits greatly from its partnership with the US and will likely seek ways to preserve and strengthen that relationship,” she explained. IANS

Tea industry urges DGFT to regulate tea imports under AUS to safeguard India-origin tea in markets

Guwahati, August 7: Raising concern over lack of proper monitoring of duty-free tea imports under Advanced Authorisation Scheme (AUS) and SEZ provisions , the Tea Association  of India(TAI) has urged the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industries, Government of India to review and regulate such tea imports for safeguarding the interests of Indian tea producers, protecting the authenticity of Indian-origin teas, and ensuring regulatory integrity in both domestic and international markets.

In communique issued by the TAI President Sandeep Singhania, it has been mentioned that Indian Tea Industry has been witnessing a steady growth in the quantum of tea imported to India as cited here:

 

Table: 1- Imports of Tea into India

Year QTY (M. Kgs) CIF Value Unit price
2019 15.85 238.81 150.67
2020 23.79 409.34 172.06
2021 26.51 390.15 147.17
2022 29.84 434.57 145.63
2023 23.65 363.07 153.32

Source: Tea Board of India

Moreover the actual export of Tea of Kenya to India in 2024 (as published by Tea Board Kenya) is huge which is 17.13 M.Kgs vis-à-vis 5.26 M.Kgs of tea in 2023 which is 226% ahead of last year and in 2025 Kenya’s exports  to India till March is 3.9 M.Kgs which is 117% higher than 2024 for the corresponding period.

The TAI has stated that in order to establish an equilibrium with regard to Supply and Demand situation , Tea Board of India issued the direction to curtail production w.e.f. November 30, 2024.  The Industry also passed through adverse weather conditions till the month of August, leading to a drop in production by about 110 m.kgs. in the year 2024. Despite the resulting drop in production as stated above, it was noted that post September 2024 a surge in import led to poor market sentiments leading to a drop in prices by an average of Rs.60, thus adversely affecting  the tea market sentiments , neutralizing the entire effort made by the Tea Board and industry to bring an equilibrium between demand and supply for the stability of the prices in tea market

 

“Therefore, there is enough ground to infer, that a co-relation exists in between the increase of the quantum of imported tea to India and decline in prices.

“There is also an apprehension that on one hand exporters are importing cheap teas duty-free, blending them with Indian teas, and exporting them as Indian-origin, misrepresenting the product and damaging the credibility of Indian tea exports and on the other hand a large share of duty-free imported teas is entering the domestic market, evading the 100% import duty and undercutting genuine producers with indistinguishable, cheaper blends.

“In fact, there’s no clear system to track how much was re-exported and how much ended up in the local market.

“ Apparently, that there could be a misuse of Advance Authorization Scheme and SEZ duty-free imports in distorting the domestic tea market and harming the global reputation of Indian teas,” the TAI has stated and  made the following representation through  its letter dated: 10.6.2025 to the DGFT :

  • Disallow duty-free import of tea under Advance Authorization and SEZ provisions.
    Instead, allow imports only upon full duty payment, with duty refunds processed post-verifiable export, thereby creating a natural deterrent to misuse.
  • Implement a robust SOP similar to Sri Lanka’s model, to ensure that:
    • All tea imports for re-export are traceable and auditable;
    • Quality standards as per FSSAI norms are strictly enforced;
    • Domestic diversion of imported tea is prevented.

 

Australian Army Chief’s visit to India from Aug 10 to focus on Defence ties, Indo-Pacific

0

New Delhi, Aug 7: In a significant development for Indo-Pacific military cooperation, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, Chief of the Australian Army, will undertake a strategic visit to India from August 10 to 14.

He is scheduled to hold high-level discussions with Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi and senior Ministry of Defence officials. The visit underscores the growing strength of the India–Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, particularly in the Defence domain.

It comes at a time when both nations are seeking to enhance regional stability and maintain a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific. Institutionalised mechanisms such as the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, Defence Policy Talks, and Staff-Level meetings have consistently propelled forward military ties.

The Indian and Australian Armies have expanded their cooperation in joint exercises, logistics, and interoperability, with Exercise AUSTRAHIND — initiated in 2016 — serving as a cornerstone of bilateral military training.

Focussed on counter-terrorism, close-quarter battle, and joint tactical operations, it has seen active participation from the Indian Army, alongside Australia’s 1st Brigade. Its next edition will be held in Australia in November 2025. Additionally, India has participated in Exercise Talisman Sabre and the Indo-Pacific Endeavour (IPE-22), which included focussed engagements on counter-terrorism, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), and jungle warfare. Training and academic exchanges have been equally robust.

Indian officers attend key Australian courses, while their Australian counterparts are trained at India’s premier Defence institutions like the NDC and DSSC. Initiatives like the Young Officers Exchange Programme and Instructor Exchange at the CIJW School, Vairengte, further deepen this institutional bond.

Staff Talks, initiated in 2010 and now held annually, provide a platform for strategic dialogue, while Defence industry collaboration — especially between India’s Army Design Bureau and Australia’s Digger Works — is poised to develop battlefield-ready, cost-effective systems.

Lt Gen Stuart’s visit not only marks a step forward in operational synergy but also highlights India’s growing stature as a key Indo-Pacific Defence partner. As both nations prepare for deeper cooperation, the visit is expected to solidify mutual trust and drive the next phase of Army-to-Army engagement.

IANS

Cong chief Kharge blames govt over increased tariffs; says US fails to understand steel frame India is made of

0

New Delhi, Aug 7:  Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government over the US administration’s decision to double tariffs on Indian goods, calling it a “foreign policy disaster” that cannot be blamed on the past 70 years of the Congress’ rule.

US President Donald Trump had already imposed a 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods going to the US. However, after Trump’s announcement on Wednesday, the tariff against India has now been increased to 50 per cent.

Taking to social media platform ‘X’, Kharge said, “India’s national interest is supreme. Any nation that arbitrarily penalises India for our time-tested policy of strategic autonomy — rooted in the ideology of non-alignment — fails to understand the steel frame India is made of. From the threats of the 7th Fleet to sanctions after Nuclear tests, we have always dealt with the US with dignity and self-respect.”

He further criticised PM Modi’s silence in the face of escalating US rhetoric. “Trump’s 50 per cent tariffs come at a time when our diplomacy is disastrously dithering. @narendramodi ji, you kept mum when Trump claimed to have brokered a ceasefire — something he has publicly declared over 30 times.”

Kharge also recalled Trump’s remarks at the BRICS summit, held on November 30, 2024, where the US President allegedly threatened a 100 per cent tariff on BRICS nations and declared the group “dead” while PM Modi, as Kharge pointed out, “sat there smirking.”

Highlighting the economic impact, Kharge said, “India’s exports to the US amount to Rs 7.51 lakh crore (2024). A 50 per cent blanket tariff translates to a potential economic burden of Rs 3.75 lakh crore. MSMEs, agriculture, dairy, engineering goods, electronics, gems and jewellery, pharmaceuticals, petroleum products, and cotton garments will be hit the hardest.”

Kharge further criticised the government’s inaction: “Trump has been hinting at ‘reciprocal tariffs’ for months. Yet, the Union Budget made no provisions to cushion the blow. Your ministers have talked endlessly about negotiating a trade deal, some even camped in Washington — and still failed to secure anything.”

“You’ve had more than six months. And now that Trump is intimidating and coercing us, you remain silent. This is a foreign policy disaster — and you can’t even blame it on Congress this time,” Kharge added.

Meanwhile, the Indian government has strongly objected to the latest tariff hike, calling it “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.” India maintains that its oil imports — including those from Russia — are guided by market needs and are essential for the energy security of 1.4 billion people. The controversy intensified after Trump accused India of indirectly aiding Russia’s war in Ukraine by profiting from cheap Russian oil. In a post on Truth Social, Trump alleged, “India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian oil, but they are also then, for much of the oil purchased, selling it on the open market for big profits. They don’t care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian war machine.”

India, however, has rejected these accusations, insisting that its energy trade is based on sovereign policy and market dynamics. The decision to increase tariffs comes at a time when Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff was seen meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, raising eyebrows about Washington’s own diplomatic motives.

On Tuesday, Trump had threatened additional tariffs in India within 24 hours. Although the deadline passed, the executive order was issued just hours later, escalating tensions between the two nations.

IANS

From food security focus must shift towards nutritional security: PM Modi

0

New Delhi, Aug 7:  From the current food security, scientists must now shift focus towards building nutritional security, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday. He was speaking at the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference at ICAR PUSA to celebrate the birth anniversary of Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, the pioneer of India’s Green Revolution.

Drawing inspiration from Dr. M. S. Swaminathan, the Prime Minister stated that India’s scientists now have another opportunity to create history. “Building on the legacy of food security, the next frontier for our agricultural scientists is ensuring nutritional security for all,” PM Modi said.

“The previous generation of scientists ensured food security, stressing that the current focus must shift towards nutritional security,” he added. The Prime Minister also called for “the large-scale promotion of bio-fortified and nutrition-rich crops to improve public health”.

He also advocated for reducing the use of chemicals in agriculture, and urged for greater promotion of natural farming, stating that more urgency and proactive efforts are required in this direction. “21st century India is fully committed to becoming a developed nation and this goal will be achieved through the contribution of every section of society and every profession,” emphasised PM Modi.

Further, sharing the forevision of Dr Swaminathan, PM Modi noted that the eminent scientist worked on millets at a time when they were largely overlooked. “Dr. M. S. Swaminathan believed the solutions to climate change and nutritional challenges lie in the very crops that have been forgotten,” said the Prime Minister, while also highlighting Professor Swaminathan’s focus on drought tolerance and salt tolerance in agriculture.

PM Modi recalled that years ago, Professor Swaminathan had suggested transferring the genetic qualities of mangroves into rice, which would help make crops more climate-resilient.

“Today, as climate adaptation becomes a global priority, it is evident how far-sighted Professor Swaminathan’s thinking truly was,” the PM said. PM also Modi underlined the sanctity of food, asserting that food is life itself, and must never be disrespected or neglected.

Warning that “any crisis of food inevitably leads to a crisis of life, and when the lives of millions are endangered, global unrest becomes inevitable,” the Prime Minister said, while underscoring the importance of the M. S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace in today’s world.

The Prime Minister stated that this international award will be conferred upon individuals from developing countries who have made significant contributions in the field of food security.

IANS

National Herald case: Delhi court seeks clarifications from ED, decision likely tomorrow

0

New Delhi, Aug 7: A Delhi court on Thursday sought certain clarifications from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the National Herald money laundering case involving Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, and others, as proposed accused.

The Rouse Avenue Court, which examined the case diary, is likely to deliver its decision on Friday on taking cognisance of the prosecution complaint filed by the ED under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Earlier, Special Judge (PC Act) Vishal Gogne, who was slated to deliver the verdict on July 29, deferred the pronouncement till the second week of August.

The Rouse Avenue Court had reserved its order on July 14 after hearing detailed arguments from the federal anti-money laundering agency as well as the proposed accused, including the Gandhis. During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) S.V. Raju, representing the ED, had claimed that Young Indian Ltd — in which Sonia and Rahul Gandhi are majority stakeholders – was used for usurping around Rs 2,000 crore assets of the National Herald by paying a nominal price of Rs 50 lakh.

ASG Raju argued that ‘Young Indian’ exists just in name, and all the other accused were puppets of the Gandhi family. As per the ED, a conspiracy was hatched to form Young Indian to acquire control over the vast assets of the now-defunct newspaper, aimed at benefiting the top Congress leadership personally.

The Central agency said that several senior Congress leaders were involved in “fake transactions” made to Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the original publisher of the National Herald. ASG Raju told the court that individuals were making fraudulent advance rent payments over several years at the direction of senior Congress functionaries with fabricated rent receipts.

The ED’s prosecution complaint claims that through this alleged malicious takeover, the Congress leadership misappropriated properties belonging to AJL and converted public trusts into personal assets. In contrast, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Sonia Gandhi, had described the money laundering allegations as “really strange” and “unprecedented”, claiming that no tangible assets were involved.

Further, LoP Rahul Gandhi claimed that the All India Congress Committee’s attempts to revive the pre-Independence era newspaper were misconstrued as a bid to sell its assets. Highlighting the non-profit objectives of the company, senior advocate R.S. Cheema, representing LoP Rahul Gandhi, said National Herald was never a commercial institution and the AICC just wanted to bring the newspaper back on the rails.

The controversy surrounding the National Herald’s assets first surfaced in 2012 when BJP leader Subramanian Swamy filed a complaint in a trial court, accusing Congress leaders of cheating and breach of trust in the acquisition of AJL.

IANS

If US goes ahead with this, India should also impose 50 pc: Tharoor on Trump’s tariff threat

0

New Delhi, Aug 7: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Thursday strongly advocated for a reciprocal tariff regime in response to US President Donald Trump’s recent threat of imposing steep import duties on Indian goods, suggesting that New Delhi should consider a 50 per cent tariff on American imports if diplomatic negotiations with Washington fail to yield results.

Trump was singling out India, even though countries like China and Turkey continue to import oil from Russia. India officially described the move as “extremely unfortunate”, saying it was being penalised for actions that “several other countries are also taking in their own national interest.”

Addressing reporters, Tharoor said, “It will definitely have an impact because we have a $90 billion trade with them, and if everything becomes 50 per cent more expensive, buyers will also think, why should they buy Indian products? Other countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and China — if they are less expensive than us — then naturally, India’s products will not sell in the American market.”

He criticised the additional 25 per cent tariff announced by Trump, calling it “unfair” and linked to India’s continued oil and gas trade with Russia. “But China is buying almost double of what we are buying from Russia, and they have been given 90 days, while we’ve been given only 3 weeks.

This suggests there is some other message coming from Washington that our government needs to recognise and respond to,” he said. Insisting on reciprocal treatment, Tharoor said, “If they do this, we should also impose a 50 per cent tariff on American exports. No one from another country can sit there and threaten us. This is completely unacceptable. I believe every Indian would agree that we stand united on this issue.”

The Congress MP also mentioned that India only charges 17 per cent tariff on most US imports, and it is the American President who is fighting the 17 per cent tariff amount with a steep 50 per cent.

“Reciprocal is their (US’) own word. They are saying it’s reciprocal. We’re not imposing tariffs on them. Trump is complaining, but our average tariff on American goods is only 17 per cent. If they are imposing 50 per cent in return, then why should we stick to 17 per cent? We too can raise it to 50 per cent,” he said.

However, Tharoor stressed that he does not favour unnecessary conflict. “India and the US have enjoyed a strong relationship. We’ve spoken of a strategic partnership. We are part of the Quad. We’re collaborating on AI, Defence, and several other fronts. I don’t want to see this relationship damaged over trade alone. But this provocation has come from them. If the US doesn’t value our relationship, then we shouldn’t overvalue theirs either,” he added. IANS