Israel PM Netanyahu Urges US-India Tariff Resolution
Bilateral Ties and Trade Disputes Take Center Stage
Jerusalem – Israeli Prime Minister **Benjamin Netanyahu** expressed on Thursday that settling the ongoing tariff dispute between India and the United States would serve the mutual interests of both nations.
Strengthening India-Israel Cooperation
During an engagement with visiting Indian journalists, **Netanyahu** conveyed his desire to visit India soon. He highlighted significant potential for enhancing collaboration between India and Israel, particularly in intelligence sharing and combating terrorism.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met today, in his Jerusalem office, with Indian Ambassador to Israel J.P. Singh. The Prime Minister and the Ambassador discussed the expansion of bilateral cooperation, especially on security and economic issues. 🇮🇱🇮🇳
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) January 17, 2024
This sentiment follows **Netanyahu’s** meeting with India’s Ambassador to Israel, **J.P. Singh**, where discussions focused on deepening bilateral ties across various sectors.
US Tariffs and India’s Rebuttal
The comments come as US President **Donald Trump** escalated trade tensions by doubling tariffs on India to 50%. This action, cited as a response to Russian oil purchases, was implemented in two stages, with an additional 25% levy announced recently, taking effect after August 27.
India has strongly condemned the US move, labeling the tariffs as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.”
India’s Official Response
“The United States has in recent days targeted India’s oil imports from Russia. We have already made clear our position on these issues, including the fact that our imports are based on market factors and done with the overall objective of ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people of India. It is therefore extremely unfortunate that the US should choose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest. We reiterate that these actions are unfair, unjustified and unreasonable. India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests.”
– Indian Government Statement
India’s response emphasized that its oil imports are market-driven and essential for national energy security, and that it will protect its economic interests.
Globally, trade disputes continue to impact international relations, with recent data showing that India’s total trade with the US reached approximately $128.5 billion in 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.