India has raised tariffs on more than a dozen types of imports, becoming the latest country to turn towards protectionist measures as the fallout from the problems affecting some emerging economies spreads around the world.

New Delhi on Thursday raised the levies on 19 categories including gemstones, plastics, home appliances and jet fuel, in an attempt to shore up the ailing rupee. The country’s currency has fallen about 13 per cent against the US dollar this year, in part because investors have moved money away from emerging markets following the financial problems in Argentina and Turkey.

Analysts predicted the Indian move would provide some respite but warned it could undermine the reputation of Narendra Modi, India’s prime minister, as an economic moderniser.