Customs duty reduction an ongoing exercise: FM

New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitarman on Thursday dismissed the allegations that the government was reducing customs under pressure from the Trump administration, arguing that it was in line with the policy of the Center.
“This is a consistent thing. I heard a lot of members saying that we are doing this in response to the tariff war announced by President Trump. No, we have been doing it since 2023. Constant, more items are being brought every year, at the same time, at the same time, at the same time, at the same time, keeping in mind the self -reliance Bharat (commitment) at the same time Vikati BharatFM has more and more requirements as to simplify customs and compliance, responding to the discussion on the Finance Bill in Rajya Sabha.
Several opposition MPs, including former FMP Chidambaram, had alleged that the government had made tax changes under the pressure of the US. In the budget, the government had reduced the levy on the high -end bike and battery and their input between many things, while the number of customs slabs was rational.
After a voice vote, the upper house returned Finance Bill 2025 Along with the Lok Sabha, with 35 amendments and thus completed 2025–26 budgetary exercises. The House also returned the Appropriation Bill (3) with a voice vote.
On the concerns related to the verification of the principles for the rules of the Central Civil Services (Pension) and the expenditure on pension liabilities, FM said that they do not change the existing pension of existing civil pensioners from the current stage in any way. Defense pensioners are also not affected in any way because they are covered by different rules.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to follow the fiscal glide path, Sitarman said that instead of being vigilant about revenue, the government reduced income tax and tariffs, which would set a long way to make India a manufacturing hub. “The finance ministry’s tendency is not to take precautions and revenue, but here we wanted to use the opportunity to show our honor for the Indian taxpayer,” Sitarman said.