Mumbai, August 7, 2025- The Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture (MACCIA), representing the interests of millions of businesses, farmers, and entrepreneurs across the state, today issued a strong statement of support for the Government of India and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in their resolute stance against the unjust and unreasonable tariffs imposed by the United States.
MACCIA President, Mr. Lalit Gandhi, stated, "The recent imposition of a 50% tariff on a large segment of Indian goods by the U.S. is deeply concerning. This action, targeting India for its sovereign decision to secure its energy needs from Russia, is unfair and undermines the spirit of a strategic partnership. On behalf of the entire MACCIA family, I extend our full support to the Government of India and our Prime Minister, who has rightly prioritized the interests of our farmers and the energy security of our 1.4 billion citizens."
Mr. Gandhi highlighted the need for a comprehensive and strategic response from India, emphasizing that while MACCIA believes in diplomatic resolution, the country must be prepared to protect its economic interests. He outlined a series of sector-wise remedial measures and opportunities available to India to fight this economic war:
Sector-wise Remedial Measures and Opportunities:
Textiles and Apparel: This labor-intensive sector is one of the most vulnerable.
Remedy: The government can provide immediate fiscal incentives such as interest subsidies, extended benefits under schemes like RoDTEP, and timely disbursement of all dues. This will help exporters manage liquidity and maintain competitiveness.
Opportunity: Indian exporters should strategically pivot to other promising markets, including Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. The 'Vocal for Local' initiative should be aggressively promoted to boost domestic consumption of high-quality Indian textiles.
Gems and Jewelry: This sector, a significant forex earner, is at risk due to reduced demand from U.S. buyers.
Remedy: The government can facilitate easier credit access and introduce export promotion schemes to encourage diversification.
Opportunity: MACCIA is ready to lead trade delegations to non-traditional markets to explore new buyer-seller relationships. We must also focus on strengthening our domestic market for premium Indian jewelry and gems.
Agriculture and Processed Foods: The US tariffs, coupled with ongoing disagreements on agricultural products, pose a threat to our farmers.
Remedy: The government must continue to stand firm on protecting our farmers from heavily subsidized American dairy and agricultural products. Increased subsidies and incentives for agri-exporters to diversify their markets are crucial.
Opportunity: The focus on food processing can be intensified to create more value-added products for both domestic and international markets, particularly in regions with growing demand for Indian spices and commodities.
Engineering Goods and Auto Parts: MSMEs in this sector are particularly susceptible to order losses.
Remedy: The government can provide targeted support to MSMEs through credit guarantees and technology upgradation schemes.
Opportunity: India can leverage its manufacturing capabilities to enhance its 'Make in India' ecosystem, positioning itself as a reliable and high-quality alternative supplier to countries other than the U.S.
"The Government of India's emphasis on a 'Swadeshi' push is the right way forward," Mr. Gandhi added. "We must all work together to strengthen our domestic manufacturing base, boost consumption of Indian products, and explore new global partnerships to reduce our dependency on any single market. MACCIA assures its full cooperation with the government to navigate these challenges and emerge stronger as a self-reliant economic powerhouse."
About MACCIA :
The Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture (MACCIA) is one of India’s most influential business associations, representing the entire spectrum of economic activity in the state of Maharashtra.
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