<h1>Trade tariffs used as development tool: WTO compliant duties protect domestic industry while negotiations seek export safeguards.</h1> WTO compliant trade tariffs up to the permitted ceiling are used as legitimate instruments to support national development and protect domestic industry, while maintaining an emphasis on exports. The government is addressing reciprocal measures through trade negotiations led by the Commerce Minister to assess and safeguard Indian export interests, and continues to support regional projects consistent with WTO rules.