India slaps 12% tariff to shield steel industry

Experts call for stronger economic ties with China as US protectionism rises

India plans to impose a 12 percent "safeguard duty" on certain steel products for 200 days to protect its domestic industry from "serious injury" caused by a spike in imports.

While the move has been welcomed by local manufacturers, it has raised concerns among downstream industries over rising costs.

The decision comes as India navigates the fallout of sweeping United States tariffs on steel and aluminum. Experts have urged closer economic cooperation between India and China to counterbalance the effects of US protectionism.