India defends itself against US forced labour charges; seeks resolution via trade talks as Trump tariffs loom

India urged the United States to address tariff concerns through bilateral trade negotiations. New Delhi questioned inconsistencies in Washington's proposed forced labor tariff framework. Exemptions for certain products undermine the policy's stated rationale, India argued. Industry representatives warned that tariffs would increase costs and hurt trusted supply chains. India maintained its policy framework does not qualify as unreasonable or discriminatory.