Netanyahu Calls for Resolution to India-US Tariff Dispute
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday urged India and the United States to resolve their tariff dispute, calling it important for both nations’ interests.
Speaking to visiting Indian journalists in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said he hoped to visit India soon. He stressed that there was “huge scope” to expand India-Israel cooperation, particularly in intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism efforts.
His remarks came a day after US President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent, citing India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. The move has escalated trade tensions between Washington and New Delhi.
India-Israel Strategic Ties in Focus
Netanyahu’s comments followed his meeting with Indian Ambassador to Israel J.P. Singh. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office posted on X that the two leaders discussed expanding bilateral cooperation, “especially on security and economic issues.”
Israel and India have steadily strengthened ties in recent years, with collaborations in defence, agriculture, cybersecurity, and innovation. Netanyahu said expanding cooperation in intelligence and counter-terrorism would benefit both nations in addressing shared security challenges.
The Israeli leader’s outreach comes at a time when India is balancing its diplomatic relationships with both Israel and the US, amid increasing global trade frictions.
US Doubles Tariffs Over Russian Oil Imports
On Wednesday, President Trump signed an executive order titled Addressing Threats to the US by the Government of the Russian Federation, which imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods. This comes on top of the 25 per cent duty announced on July 30, bringing the total tariff to 50 per cent.
According to the White House order, the tariffs are “in addition to any other duties, fees, taxes, exactions, and charges applicable to such imports.” The first round takes effect on August 7, while the additional levy will apply from August 27.
Trump linked the decision to India’s continued imports of Russian oil despite Western sanctions. While Russian crude accounted for only 0.2 per cent of India’s total oil imports until 2021, purchases have risen since global energy prices surged.
India Calls US Tariffs “Unfair and Unjustified”
In a strong statement, New Delhi rejected Washington’s action, calling the tariffs “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.”
“We have already made clear our position on these issues, including the fact that our imports are based on market factors and aimed at ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people of India,” the statement read.
The Ministry of External Affairs also noted that “several other countries are taking similar actions in their national interest” and said India would “take all actions necessary to protect its national interests.”
India imports about 88 per cent of its crude oil, which is refined into fuels like petrol and diesel. Officials argue that Russian oil is an important part of the country’s strategy to maintain affordable energy supplies amid volatile global markets.
Economic and Diplomatic Stakes Remain High
The India-US tariff dispute comes at a sensitive time. Both nations have been working to deepen strategic ties in defence, technology, and supply chain security. However, trade disagreements risk overshadowing these advances.
Analysts say Netanyahu’s call for resolution reflects Israel’s interest in a stable India-US relationship, as it benefits trilateral cooperation in areas such as defence manufacturing and regional security.
With the US tariffs set to take effect within weeks, diplomatic efforts will be critical to prevent the dispute from escalating further. India is expected to explore options at the World Trade Organization while continuing backchannel talks with Washington.