India, Sept. 12 -- Shashi Tharoor on Friday said that the steep tariffs imposed by the United States have hit India's economy hard, leading to large-scale job losses. The senior Congress leader also launched a sharp attack on US President Donald Trump for what he described as "mercurial" conduct and disregard for diplomatic norms.

Speaking at a conference in Singapore, Tharoor said the US decision to impose a 50 per cent tariff, including 25 per cent as penalty for buying Russian oil, had made several Indian exports unviable in the American market.

"Already, people are losing jobs. 1.35 lakh people in Surat have been laid off in the gems and jewellery business. The seafood and manufacturing sectors are also facing heavy losses," he said...