MEA rejects 'fake news' on tariff review, bilateral agreement suspension with US

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday dismissed online posts that claimed the central government is reviewing the list of US goods exempted from tariffs or planning to suspend bilateral agreements with the United States.

The ministry's official fact-checking handle flagged the reports as “fake news” and accused two X (formerly Twitter) accounts of spreading misinformation.

The post in question was originally shared by the X handle “China in English” which stated: “Indian Media | The Indian government begins reviewing the list of US products exempted from tariffs... and declares: ‘No privileges without mutual respect.’”


“This is FAKE News!” the MEA responded on X.


The ministry also called out another X handle named “Middle Eastern Affairs” for sharing similar claims. One of their posts read: “Unprecedented statement from New Delhi: India is considering suspending or reviewing certain bilateral agreements with the United States if hostile economic policies continue.”

MEA’s fact-checking unit said that the handle “Middle Eastern Affairs” has been “making several social media posts with FAKE News.”


These denials came amid fresh remarks by US President Donald Trump, who stated on Sunday that he had heard India had stopped buying oil from Russia.

According to a TOI report, government sources later clarified the situation. “Indian oil refiners continue to source oil from Russian suppliers. Their supply decisions are guided by price, grade of crude, inventories, logistics and other economic factors,” ANI quoted the sources as saying.

The Centre has not made any official move to alter trade privileges extended to the US or to review related bilateral arrangements, reported TOI, citing officials.

(With inputs from TOI)