Congress Slams PM Modi Over Trump's 25% Tariff Announcement

Strategic Insights -

The Congress party on Wednesday sharply criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the announcement by US President Donald Trump to impose a 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods, along with an unspecified penalty. The Congress accused the Indian government of foreign policy failure and stated that the country is paying the price for PM Modi's "friendship" with Trump. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh questioned the effectiveness of Modi's diplomacy with Washington, saying that the much-publicised camaraderie between the two leaders has yielded little for India.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Congress party accused the Indian government of foreign policy failure, stating that the country is paying the price for PM Modi's "friendship" with Trump.
  • PM Modi has been criticized for staying silent in the face of multiple provocations from the United States, including Trump's repeated claims of halting India's Operation Sindoor.
  • Jairam Ramesh called for a stronger response from the PM, urging him to take a page from the leadership of Indira Gandhi and stand up to the US President.
  • Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi criticized the Modi government, saying that the move contradicts the ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two leaders.
  • Congress MP Rajiv Shukla called the US decision to impose a 25% tariff and penalty on Indian imports a "really wrong step" that would hurt Indian businesses.
  • RJD MP Manoj Jha expressed concern over the imposition of a 25% tariff and penalty on Indian imports, stating that the development under PM Modi's leadership was "deeply disappointing."
  • Trump announced that India will pay a 25 per cent tariff on goods exported to the United States from August 1, in addition to a penalty for buying military equipment and oil from Russia.
  • The US President accused India of funding Russia's war in Ukraine, along with China, and reiterated his claim that he could end the conflict within 24 hours of taking office.

Statistics:

  • 25% tariff on Indian goods exported to the United States from August 1
  • $X ( unspecified) penalty imposed on India for buying military equipment and oil from Russia
  • 20-25% tariff rate previously indicated by Trump as possible levy on India
  • $X ( unspecified) financial aid provided by the United States to Pakistan through global institutions like the IMF and World Bank
  • 3 years of conflict in Ukraine as of January 2023

Sources:

  • "Congress slams Modi over Trump's 25% tariff announcement" on ABP Private Limited, distributed by Contify.com (no date given)
  • "US President Donald Trump announces 25% tariff on India" on Truth Social (no date given)
  • "Rahul Gandhi hits out at PM Modi over Trump's remarks on trade deal" on ABP Private Limited, distributed by Contify.com (no date given)