Categories: India News

India Reacts After US Supreme Court Invalidates Donald Trump Tariffs – ‘Closely Examining, Assessing Implications’

India is closely monitoring developments after the US Supreme Court struck down tariffs imposed by Donald Trump. The Commerce Ministry said it is assessing the implications as Washington announced new steps following the legal setback. Confusion persists over whether India will face an 18% tariff or a temporary 10% rate ahead of a planned interim trade deal.

Add NewsX As A Trusted Source
Add as a preferred
source on Google
Published by Zubair Amin
Published: February 21, 2026 17:03:47 IST

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry on Saturday said the government is closely examining recent developments related to US tariffs and assessing their potential implications for India, following a major legal setback to tariff measures introduced by the administration of Donald Trump.

The response came after the Supreme Court of the United States struck down the reciprocal tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. In a 6–3 verdict delivered by the full nine-judge bench led by Chief Justice John Roberts, the court ruled that the president could not impose tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1974 without congressional approval.

India Monitoring Developments After US Court Ruling On Trump Tariffs

In an official statement, the commerce ministry acknowledged the judgement and subsequent announcements by Washington.

“We have noted the US Supreme Court judgement on tariffs yesterday (Friday). US President Donald Trump has also addressed a press conference in this regard,” the ministry said.

“Some steps have been announced by the US administration. We are studying all these developments for their implications,” it added.

The US top court’s decision has created uncertainty over tariff measures affecting India, particularly as New Delhi and United States are close to finalising the text of an interim trade agreement.

Uncertainty Over Previously Announced 18% Tariff As Trump Announces Fresh 10% Tariff Using Alternate Law

Earlier this month, Washington had announced an 18 per cent tariff on Indian goods, reduced from a previously proposed 50 per cent rate. However, the Supreme Court ruling has raised questions about whether those tariffs remain valid.

The judgement effectively removes the legal basis for the 18 per cent reciprocal tariff imposed on India, with the court holding that tariffs could not be introduced in peacetime under the five-decade-old IEEPA law.

Soon after the ruling, Trump signed an order mandating a new 10 per cent tariff on imports from all countries, including India, to replace the measures struck down by the court.

To implement this move, he invoked Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974,  a provision that has never previously been used. The law allows US presidents to impose tariffs of up to 15 per cent for 150 days to address trade imbalances with any country, after which congressional approval is required.

The newly announced 10 per cent tariff is scheduled to take effect on February 24.

Confusion Over India’s Applicable Tariff Rate

When asked about the tariff rate applicable to India, Trump stated that it would remain at 18 per cent, as agreed earlier. However, the White House later clarified that, for the time being, India would face a 10 per cent tariff.

“All countries with trade agreements with the US now drop to a 10 per cent tariff rate temporarily,” a White House official said.

Also Read: US Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump’s Tariffs: Will The Landmark 6-3 Ruling Make Tariffs On India Go 0% From The Current 18%? Explained

Published by Zubair Amin
Published: February 21, 2026 17:03:47 IST

Recent Posts

DC vs RCB: Delhi Capitals Avoid Unwanted IPL Record — Check Top 10 Lowest Scores (RCB 49 Still Lowest) of All-Time

IPL 2026: Delhi Capitals were bowled out for 75 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, narrowly avoiding…

April 27, 2026

Bharat Kapoor’s Cause Of Death Revealed? Veteran Actor, Who Starred Alongside Amitabh Bachchan And Rajesh Khanna, Dies At 80

Veteran Bollywood actor Bharat Kapoor passed away at 80 due to multi-organ failure in Mumbai.…

April 27, 2026

Mumbai-Solapur Vande Bharat Coach Derails On Diamond Crossing At Pune Station Entry, Passengers Safe

Vande Bharat coach derails at Pune station entry on diamond crossing; no injuries reported, passengers…

April 27, 2026