Indian opposition parties criticised the government on Thursday, describing U.S. President Donald Trump's threat of a 25% tariff as a diplomatic failure for New Delhi, while the rupee currency tumbled and equity indexes slid in response to the news.

As the workday wound down in New Delhi on Wednesday, most Indian trade officials were getting ready to head home. Then their phones lit up: Donald Trump hit the nation with a 25% tariff.

US-India trade talks face hurdles as President Trump's insistence on direct negotiations with PM Modi causes delays. The imposition of tariffs and references to Russian trade complicates matters. Despite setbacks,