Indian Govt Studying ‘Implications’ Of US Supreme Court’s Tariff Verdict, Says Commerce Ministry

New Delhi: India’s Commerce and Industry Ministry said it is carefully assessing the implications of the US Supreme Court’s landmark ruling that invalidated President Donald Trump’s reciprocal global tariffs.

In a measured initial response, the Piyush Goyal-headed ministry issued a statement on Saturday acknowledging the US court’s decision pronounced on Friday.

“We have noted the US Supreme Court judgement on tariffs yesterday. President Trump has also addressed a press conference in that regard. Some steps have been announced by the US Administration. We are studying all these developments for their implications,” the statement read.

In a 6-3 verdict, the US Supreme Court ruled that Trump overstepped by using the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to enact sweeping tariffs — an authority it deemed absent from the statute, with duties constitutionally vested in Congress.

Legal experts hailed this as one of the biggest judicial rebukes to Trump’s second Presidency term, which carried major implications for the future of US trade policy.

Hours after the ruling, Trump invoked Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act — a seldom-used tool permitting up to 15% duties for 150 days to tackle “large and serious” balance-of-payments deficits. He set a uniform 10% global tariff, effective 12:01 am ET on February 24, layering atop current duties but sparing sectors like pharmaceuticals and energy.

India initially absorbed 50% tariffs, including 25% linked to its Russian crude purchases. It was later negotiated down to 18% through an interim pact with the Trump team.

The ministry’s review occurs amid accelerating bilateral talks, with an Indian team slated to visit Washington next week to push for a comprehensive deal.