Mumbai: Titan, India’s largest jeweller and watchmaker, is considering moving part of its manufacturing operations to the UAE to preserve low-tariff access to U.S. markets amid escalating trade tensions between Washington and New Delhi, according to media reports.

A part of the Tata Group, Titan recently announced plans to acquire a majority stake in Dubai-based luxury retailer Damas, which runs 146 stores across the Gulf. The deal is valued at $283 million.

The move comes after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed an unexpected 25% tariff on Indian imports last month, followed by an additional 25% this week in response to India’s purchases of Russian oil. By contrast, goods from the United Arab Emirates face a 10% tariff under Trump’s baseline rate.

Titan’s jewellery brand Tanishq already operates several U.S. stores and is preparing for a major expansion, while its diamond-centric label CaratLane entered the U.S. market in October, the company said.