Amid growing tensions over tariffs between India and the United States, the Indian government has strongly denied a series of misleading online claims suggesting changes in its trade policy.

Reports circulating on social media alleged that India was reviewing tariff exemptions on US products and rethinking bilateral agreements. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday, has firmly labelled these as false.

Rumours began to spread after a post from the X handle ‘China in English’ claimed: “The Indian government begins reviewing the list of US products exempted from tariffs... and declares: No privilege without mutual respect.”

Responding swiftly, the MEA’s official fact-checking account, @MEAIndia, posted: “This is FAKE News!” tagging the misleading post to clarify that no such review was underway.

No plans to suspend agreements with US

In addition to claims about import duty changes, another rumour doing the rounds suggested that India was “considering suspending or reviewing certain bilateral agreements with the United States if hostile economic policies continue.”

The MEA rejected this too, writing: “Fake News Alert! This is FAKE News. No such statement made.”

The ministry also flagged another source of disinformation, pointing to a handle named ‘Middle Eastern Affairs’ that had been spreading false claims. “Disinformation and FAKE news alert! This handle (@Middle_Eastern0) has been making several social media posts with FAKE News. Be aware,” it warned.

US tariff hike and Trump’s warnings

These developments come in the backdrop of rising trade tensions. The United States recently imposed a 25 percent tariff on Indian exports. Further aggravating the situation, US President Donald Trump announced via a Truth Social post that India could face additional penalties for continuing to purchase arms and crude oil from Russia.

He pointed to India’s high tariff barriers and close defence and energy ties with Russia as key concerns, calling out New Delhi for being the “vast majority” buyer of Russian military hardware and oil.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump claimed he had received information suggesting India would stop importing oil from Russia.

India stands firm on Russian oil imports

Indian government sources have strongly refuted Trump’s assertion, stating that there is no plan to halt oil imports from Russia. “These are long-term oil contracts... It is not so simple to just stop buying overnight,” a government official told news agency Reuters.

Government Engaged with Stakeholders, Says Piyush Goyal

In a suo motu statement delivered last week in both houses of Parliament, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal addressed the tariff issue and reassured that the government is carefully reviewing the impact.

“The government is examining the implications of these tariffs and is engaged with all stakeholders, including exporters and industry, for taking feedback on their assessment of the situation,” he said.

He further emphasised India’s commitment to its economic backbone: “The government attaches the utmost importance to protecting and promoting the welfare of our farmers, workers, entrepreneurs, exporters, MSMEs and all sections of industry. We will take all necessary steps to secure and advance our national interest.”

(With agency inputs)