India, March 13 -- The United States has opened a major trade investigation targeting India and dozens of other economies over concerns related to imports linked to forced labour. The probe could pave the way for fresh tariffs on goods entering the American market if authorities determine that foreign trade practices harm US commerce.

Officials in Washington announced the investigation as part of a broader effort to address what the government describes as unfair global trade practices. The move could affect several major trading partners, including India, China, the European Union, Japan, South Korea and Mexico.

The decision comes shortly after the US administration began another investigation into alleged unfair trade practices by sev...