The US Trade Representative (USTR) has proposed an additional 12.5% tariff on imports from India, alleging that New Delhi has failed to effectively curb imports made with forced labor. The proposal was announced during ongoing trade talks between Indian officials and a US delegation in New Delhi.
In a 92-page report under Section 301 of the US Trade Act, the USTR stated that India has not imposed or enforced a prohibition on imports linked to forced labor, calling it an unreasonable burden on US commerce. USTR Ambassador Jamieson Greer said, “The failure of our most important trading partners to address the importation of goods made with forced labor is unacceptable.”
India’s commerce ministry responded that the proposed tariffs are not final and that the USTR will undergo a public consultation process before any decision is taken. The development adds tension to the ongoing India-US trade negotiations.
Separately, a fire broke out in a building in south Delhi’s Malviya Nagar neighborhood, killing at least 21 people and injuring several others. Police said the blaze started in a restaurant on the ground floor of a building that also housed a hotel above.
Local administration official Jitendra Kumar told reporters that the fire was likely connected to the restaurant. Television images showed thick smoke billowing from the building. Some victims were foreign nationals who had traveled to India for medical treatment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and announced financial assistance of Rs 200,000 ($2,088) for the families of the deceased.
In Germany, Indians face a difficult choice regarding citizenship. Germany’s 2024 law allows dual citizenship, but India does not permit it, forcing Indians to renounce their Indian passport. A survey by Mediendienst Integration found that over 85% of newly naturalized citizens retain their original nationality.
Ashish Kumar, 56, who runs an online community for expats in Germany, said he took German citizenship out of practicality due to frequent travel. “My parents are still in India, so it wasn’t an easy decision, but in the end, frustration pushed me to take German citizenship,” he said. He expressed hope that India would allow dual citizenship in the future.
Source: www.dw.com