Jammu, February 3, 2026 : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday welcomed the United States’ decision to reduce reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods, calling it a major relief for exporters who were struggling under higher trade barriers.
Speaking to media persons during the second day of the Budget Session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly in Jammu, Omar Abdullah said the tariff reduction would help revive export-oriented businesses that were facing severe pressure.
On Monday, US President Donald Trump announced that India and the United States had reached a trade agreement under which Washington would slash reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods from 25 per cent to 18 per cent. The decision comes months after the US imposed steep tariffs—reportedly up to 50 per cent—on Indian exports entering American markets from August 27, 2025.
“These tariffs were proving to be extremely burdensome for our exporters,” Abdullah said. “Many businesses were under stress, and some were even on the verge of shutting down. The reduction in tariffs will give them much-needed relief and a chance to recover.”
The Chief Minister also linked the tariff decision to geopolitical developments, noting that the US had earlier expressed displeasure over India’s purchase of oil from Russia. “President Trump has announced that India has now stopped purchasing oil from Russia, and because of that, these tariffs will no longer be imposed,” he said.
However, Abdullah raised concerns over the long-term implications of the shift in oil sourcing. “If India has indeed stopped buying oil from Russia, the question is where will the oil come from now, and will that lead to an increase in petrol and diesel prices? We will have to wait and see,” he remarked.
Welcoming the overall move, the Chief Minister said the tariff cut was a positive step for India’s export sector. “This decision will benefit our exporters and help their businesses thrive again. It is certainly a good development,” he added.
