Kashmir Hindu Foundation urges calm after Trump’s tariff hike on Indian imports

The group said the tariff increase should not be interpreted as a hostile act against India but rather understood in its geopolitical context.

Stock image. / istock

The Kashmir Hindu Foundation has urged Indian media outlets and the public to avoid panic following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of an additional 25 percent tariff on Indian imports. The move, which effectively doubles existing tariffs to 50 percent, is part of a wider U.S. strategy aimed at isolating Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

ALSO READ: India says additional US tariffs 'extremely unfortunate'

In a formal statement, the Foundation said the tariff increase should not be interpreted as a hostile act against India but rather understood in its geopolitical context. “President Trump's tariff hike, while significant, is not an indication of a permanent shift in U.S.-India relations,” it said. “Rather, it is part of a calculated foreign policy approach designed to pressure countries into complying with American foreign policy goals, particularly regarding Russia.”

Deepak Ganju of the Foundation emphasized that India must continue to act in its own best interests — including protecting its energy security, building defense autonomy, and diversifying trade partnerships — while maintaining a measured response to external developments.

ALSO READ: Trump Hints at More Secondary Sanctions After Imposing 50% Tariff on Indian Imports

Highlighting India’s economic strength, the Foundation said the country is equipped to withstand short-term disruptions. “The Indian economy, a dynamic and resilient global player, is more than capable of absorbing external shocks like these,” it said. “India’s strong and diverse economic base, alongside its growing manufacturing and service sectors, will help buffer any negative impacts.”

It noted that India’s pursuit of new trade relationships with the European Union, Japan, and Australia is a step in the right direction to reduce dependency on any single market.

The Foundation called on Indian media to cover the issue with greater restraint. “While reporting on the tariff hike is important, it is essential to provide a balanced and nuanced view of the situation,” the statement said. “Overstating the immediate impact or presenting the issue as a catastrophe would be counterproductive and could undermine India’s strategic response.”

It also reiterated confidence in India’s diplomatic capacity. “We remain confident that India, with its rich history of diplomatic expertise and strategic agility, will continue to chart its own path forward,” the Foundation said.

The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of support for India’s long-term sovereignty and economic goals, calling for pragmatism rather than alarm.

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