Reducing India’s exposure to U.S. tariff risks

The article discusses the potential economic impact on India from new U.S. tariffs, specifically the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which could impose up to 100% tariffs on major importers of Russian crude oil, including India. Coupled with existing Section 301 tariffs, India's cumulative tariff could reach 110%, severely affecting its exports to the U.S. Trade simulations show significant economic contraction for India under such sanctions. However, the article suggests that export diversification, exemplified by an India-EU Free Trade Agreement, could largely mitigate these adverse effects, improving welfare and boosting exports. It emphasizes the need for India to expand into alternative markets and implement domestic reforms to enhance long-term export competitiveness and resilience to geopolitical shocks.