India's decision to slap Australian chickpeas with a 60 per cent tariff will harm its reputation globally as a customer, Trade Minister Steve Ciobo has warned.
The surprise March tariff hike comes while Australia is negotiating a free-trade agreement with India.
Mr Ciobo discussed the issue with his Indian counterpart in Paris last week and said the government had been proactive on the matter.
India has historically been a strong market for Australian crops, with chickpea export values hitting $1.14 billion in the last financial year.
"The challenge that we have got with India at the moment is that India's general pre-disposition to trade sees them have some very strong defensive interests around agriculture," the minister told the National Press Club.
Access to other markets like Nepal, Iran and the UAE had lessened the blow on chickpea farmers.
Mr Ciobo characterised as difficult free trade talks with the emerging economic powerhouse.
Meanwhile, he hinted Australia and Indonesia could see the finish line on free trade negotiations.
Indonesia and Australia failed to meet a deadline on the trade pact late last year.
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