India-US Trade Deal Sparks Political Storm Amid Tariffs and Foreign Policy Criticism

Rahul Gandhi and other Opposition leaders have sharply reacted to US President Donald Trump's announcement of a 25% tariff on all Indian imports, starting August 1, amid the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament. Gandhi has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of prioritizing the interests of industrialist Gautam Adani over national interest and of destroying the Indian economy through policies such as demonetization, flawed Goods and Services Tax (GST), and failed "Make in India" initiatives.

Key Takeaways:

• Rahul Gandhi has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of killing the Indian economy through policies such as demonetization, flawed GST, and failed "Make in India" initiatives.
• Gandhi has also alleged that Modi prioritizes the interests of industrialist Gautam Adani over national interest, stating that the government has destroyed the economy to help Adani.
• Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has described the US tariff threat as a very serious matter, warning that penalties rising to 35-45% or 100% could destroy Indian trade.
• Tharoor suggested that the tariffs might be a negotiating tactic but cautioned that India must protect its interests, noting that the average tariff on American goods is around 17%.
• AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has called Trump "buffoon-in-chief" who is bullying India with tariffs, stating that the measures are a clear and deliberate attack on sovereignty and economic standing.
• Owaisi has also slammed PM Modi's silence on the issue, questioning if this is the "56-inch chest" promised to the nation.

Statistics:

• US President Donald Trump has announced a 25% tariff on all Indian imports, starting August 1.
• The US imports from India are worth nearly $90 billion, according to Congress MP Shashi Tharoor.
• India's average tariff on American goods is around 17%, as noted by Shashi Tharoor.
• Trump has claimed to have brokered a ceasefire 30-32 times, according to Rahul Gandhi.

Sources:

• https://www.contify.com/online-media-service-pvt-ltd-india-us-trade-deal-sparks-political-storm-amid-tariffs-and-foreign-policy-criticism/
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