Centre Says It Is ‘Studying Developments’ After US Court Blocks Trump Tariffs

The Centre on Saturday said it is carefully examining the implications of the US Supreme Court ruling that struck down reciprocal tariffs imposed by former US president Donald Trump.

In its first official reaction, the Ministry of Commerce stated that it has taken note of the judgment as well as subsequent announcements made by the US administration. “We have noted the US Supreme Court judgement on tariffs. 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 ministry said.

The ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States came in a 6–3 decision, holding that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not authorise a president to impose sweeping, across-the-board global tariffs under emergency powers. The verdict is seen as a major legal setback and could potentially open the door to substantial refund claims.

Earlier, Union Minister Prahlad Joshi said the government would review the judgment in detail, adding that a formal response would be issued after assessing its impact on India’s trade interests.

India-US Trade Equation

Within hours of the court’s decision, Trump announced a fresh 10 per cent global tariff, signalling that his trade push would continue despite the setback. He also said that the existing trade framework with India would remain intact, asserting that tariff arrangements would not change.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump described him as “a great man” while reiterating his claim that India had benefited disproportionately under previous trade terms.

The developments come shortly after an interim India-US trade understanding aimed at recalibrating tariff structures and market access. Following the Supreme Court ruling, a White House official indicated that the newly announced 10 per cent global tariff would temporarily reset rates for major trading partners, including India, as the administration explores alternative legal pathways.

Meanwhile, officials from both countries are scheduled to meet in the United States from February 23 for a three-day round of discussions to finalise the legal text of the interim agreement. The Indian delegation will be led by chief negotiator Darpan Jain, Joint Secretary in the Commerce Ministry.