New Delhi,: Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chadha has weighed in on US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 100% tariff on pharmaceutical imports, warning of serious consequences for Indian drug exporters.
In a social media post on Friday, Raghav Chadha recalled that he had raised alarm about such trade threats seven months ago in Parliament. “Today, President Trump has imposed a 100% tariff on pharmaceuticals — a jolt for Indian drug makers who supply 40% of US pharma imports,” he wrote.
India’s pharmaceutical industry is heavily reliant on exports to the United States, with several companies earning a large share of their revenues from generic and specialty drugs shipped to American markets. Industry watchers fear that the sharp increase in tariffs could severely affect pricing, margins, and access to what is India’s largest pharma export destination.
Chadha, however, emphasized that India must treat the challenge as a turning point, not a setback. “India must turn this challenge into an opportunity by deepening alliances with other countries, co-developing medicines, sharing technology and creating pooled procurement deals,” he said.
He added that India’s strength lies in affordable, high-quality healthcare, and urged policymakers and the pharma sector to focus on expanding into new global markets. “By leading in affordable healthcare, India can secure new markets while reinforcing its role as a trusted partner in public health,” his statement read.
As global supply chains shift and geopolitical tensions rise, Chadha’s remarks reflect growing calls within India to reduce dependence on single export markets and invest in long-term resilience through innovation and international collaboration.
