New Delhi, Sept. 3 -- In a high-level review chaired by Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh, the government reaffirmed its commitment to protect cotton farmers ahead of the Kharif Marketing Season 2025-26, commencing October 1.

However, several reports and analysts suggest the 50% tariffs were not driven solely by India's Russian oil purchases. The more decisive trigger, they argue, was New Delhi's rejection of Trump's offer to mediate in the Indo-Pak conflict last May-a role the U.S. president has repeatedly portrayed as worthy of a Nobel Peace Prize.

Trump has often claimed credit for preventing escalation by warning both India and Pakistan of punitive tariffs. Yet, despite the subsequent de-escalation, he went ahead with a 50% tari...