India has upper hand given tariffs relatively lower than others: NSE MD-CEO

ANI April 6, 2025 194 views

The National Stock Exchange's Managing Director Ashishkumar Chauhan has offered an optimistic perspective on India's position in the current US trade tariff scenario. He believes India has a strategic advantage due to comparatively lower tariff rates imposed by the Trump administration. Chauhan expects trade negotiations to be favorable for India in the coming weeks, citing ongoing diplomatic discussions. The NSE chief also highlighted the potential stabilization of markets as US-India trade relations evolve.

"India has an upper hand... because the duty imposed on India is slightly less compared to China, Vietnam" - Ashishkumar Chauhan, NSE MD-CEO
Katra, April 6: India has the upper hand amidst the reciprocal tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, said Ashishkumar Chauhan, Managing Director and CEO of National Stock Exchange, backing his argument, stating the duties slapped on India were less than others.

Key Points

1

US imposed new tariffs ranging 10-50% on global trade partners

2

India faces 26% additional duty, lower than other countries

3

International crude prices falling further benefits India

"US President Donald Trump has imposed import duty, there is a state of confusion all over the world, but India has an upper hand in that too, because the duty imposed on India is slightly less compared to China, Vietnam, so I think the situation will become normal in the next 1-2 weeks...," Chauhan told ANI, speaking from Katra.

"The tariffs imposed on India are relatively lower than those of other countries. Going ahead, India will do well during the negotiations (for a trade deal)," he supplemented.

On Friday night, April 4, the US market fell by about 2200 points. In the last 2 sessions, it has fallen by more than 9 per cent.

"So I think there is a kind of confusion there, too, and you can also see the reflection of the situation here (in India). As stability comes in the US, there is a possibility of stability coming here as well...," the NSE chief added.

"The way India and the US have been talking over the past 2-3 months, I expect this to benefit India," Chauhan noted that the latest fall in international crude oil prices is also going in favour of India, a major importer of energy.

Since assuming office for his second term, President Trump has reiterated his stance on tariff reciprocity, emphasising that the United States will match tariffs imposed by other countries, including India, to ensure fair trade.

On April 2, the US President issued an executive order on reciprocal tariffs, imposing additional ad valorem duties ranging from 10 per cent to 50 per cent on imports from all trading partners. The baseline duty of 10 per cent will be effective from April 05, 2025, and the remaining country-specific additional ad valorem duty will be effective from April 09, 2025.

The additional duty on India is 26 per cent.

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
Interesting perspective! It's good to see India in a relatively better position compared to other nations in these trade negotiations. The lower tariffs could indeed give us some leverage. 🤔
R
Rahul S.
While I appreciate the optimism, I think we should be cautious. The US market volatility shows how unpredictable this situation is. Lower tariffs today don't guarantee stability tomorrow.
A
Anjali M.
Finally some good news in the trade war saga! The combination of lower tariffs AND falling oil prices could be a double win for India's economy. Fingers crossed! 🤞
S
Sanjay V.
Respectfully disagree with the NSE chief's assessment. 26% is still a significant tariff that will impact many Indian exporters. We shouldn't celebrate being "less worse off" than others.
N
Neha P.
The market reactions show how interconnected global economies are now. What happens in US markets affects us within hours. Hope the negotiations go well for India!
V
Vikram J.
Interesting analysis! The timing with falling oil prices is indeed fortunate. Maybe this trade tension will push India to diversify its export markets more aggressively though.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
US Trade Tariffs Donald Trump Ashishkumar Chauhan NSE India Trade Policy International Economics
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