The union commerce ministry said on Saturday that the Indian government is studying developments regarding the US tariffs and their implications.
The ministry's response comes after the US Supreme Court on Friday struck down the reciprocal tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump's administration. In a 6-3 split verdict, the full nine-judge bench headed by US Chief Justice John Roberts ruled that Trump could not impose tariffs under IEEPA 1974 without congressional approval.
"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 Indian commerce ministry said in a statement.
"Some steps have been announced by the US administration. We are studying all these developments for their implications," the ministry added.
Earlier in the day, union minister Pralhad Joshi said that the Centre will examine the ruling and that either the commerce ministry or the ministry of external affairs will officially respond to it.
“I have read in the media that the US top court has given some judgment and the Indian government will study that, and whatever the reaction needs to be given, that will be given by the Commerce Ministry and MEA, not by me,” Joshi was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
Donald Trump imposes a 15 per cent tariff
Hours after the Supreme Court ruling, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday ending “certain tariff actions” and a proclamation to impose a “temporary import surcharge”. The temporary import duty will take effect on February 24 at 12:01 am Eastern Standard Time.
{{/usCountry}}Hours after the Supreme Court ruling, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday ending “certain tariff actions” and a proclamation to impose a “temporary import surcharge”. The temporary import duty will take effect on February 24 at 12:01 am Eastern Standard Time.
{{/usCountry}}After removing certain tariffs, the US president signed a proclamation imposing a 10 per cent “temporary import surcharge” as “ad valorem duties” on goods entering the American market. On Saturday, he raised the levy to 15 per cent through a social media post.
The document said that the president was told by his advisers that the United States is facing serious international payment issues. These include a large trade deficit, a weak balance of payments position, and financial risks.
However, it also states that some imports will be exempt from this order, including certain critical minerals, metals used in currency and bullion, energy and energy products, pharmaceuticals, certain aerospace products, and more.
The surcharge will take effect at 12:01am Eastern Standard Time on February 24, 2026. It will remain in effect for up to 150 days, ending on July 24, 2026, unless terminated earlier or extended by Congress.