India, which now faces among the highest tariff rates imposed by the US, called the levy "unjustified and unreasonable".

Tariffs on Indian exports to the United States will surge to 50 percent by late August, as part of an effort by President Trump to pressure Russia into resolving its war in Ukraine.

Import taxes on Indian goods were already set to go to 25 percent after midnight Thursday. The rate would double in three weeks under a White House order.