MEA on alert as uncertainties rise post US Supreme Court Striking Down Trump Tariffs & New 10% Levy being Announced?

The US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 on February 20, 2026, that President Donald Trump exceeded his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) by imposing sweeping "reciprocal" tariffs, invalidating duties on global imports including those affecting India. In response, Trump immediately announced a new executive order for a 10% "global tariff" on top of surviving Section 232 and 301 levies, invoking Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act for a temporary 150-day measure pending Congress. India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is in full alert mode, closely monitoring these developments amid ongoing bilateral trade talks. Prior MEA statements emphasized vigilance on US tariff threats to protect India's $500B+ exports, energy security, and negotiations for a balanced deal, with no specific February 21 comment yet but heightened bureaucratic readiness confirmed via sources. This escalation risks higher costs for Indian exporters in textiles, pharma, and IT hardware, prompting Delhi to prepare retaliatory options and diversify markets.