India challenges US forced labor tariffs

India has formally objected to the United States' proposed tariffs on imports linked to forced labor, arguing inconsistencies in the U.S. approach. At a USTR public hearing on July 8, 2026, India's Joint Secretary Brij Mohan Mishra pointed out that the U.S. exempts 1,600 items from forced labor scrutiny and offers reduced tariff rates on textiles using U.S. cotton, undermining the policy's rationale. India called for addressing concerns through bilateral trade negotiations rather than unilateral Section 301 investigations. Industry bodies Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry and CII also opposed the tariffs, warning of cost increases for U.S. consumers and businesses. The USTR launched Section 301 investigations in March 2026 and proposed additional tariffs of 10-12.5% on imports from 54 economies on June 3, 2026. India submitted that the USTR failed to provide economy-specific evidence linking India's exports to forced labor.