New Delhi [India], April 3: Congress Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Surjewala on Thursday strongly criticized the Modi government over the 26% import tariffs imposed by the United States on India, calling it a severe economic setback for the country.
Surjewala’s Criticism of Modi’s Silence on US Tariffs
Speaking with ANI, Surjewala stated that India’s trade and economy will suffer losses between ₹26,000 crore and ₹35,000 crore due to these tariffs. He accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of remaining silent in the face of such challenges.
“The 27% tariff imposed by India’s biggest trading partner is a huge concern. When the country faces danger, Modi ji remains silent. PM Modi went to the US, and in his presence, the US President called India a tariff abuser. Now, this new tariff will significantly impact our economy,” Surjewala remarked.
He also alleged that the US has been pressuring India to lower its tariffs on American exports, particularly in agriculture and pharmaceuticals, while Modi’s government has failed to take a strong stand on the issue.
Rahul Gandhi Raises US Tariff Issue in Lok Sabha
Echoing Surjewala’s concerns, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also brought up the issue in Parliament. He warned that the tariff hike would have a devastating impact on Indian industries, particularly the automobile, pharmaceutical, and agriculture sectors.
“Our ally has suddenly imposed a 26% tariff, which will devastate our economy. Our auto industry, pharmaceutical industry, and agriculture are all at risk,” Gandhi said during the Lok Sabha session.
Trump Justifies ‘Discounted Reciprocal Tariffs’ Against India
The US tariffs were announced by President Donald Trump on Wednesday (US local time) at a ‘Make America Wealthy Again’ event in Washington. Trump justified the tariffs as a measure to ensure fair trade practices.
“India is very tough on tariffs. The Prime Minister just left, and he is a great friend of mine, but they are not treating us right. They charge us 52% tariffs, and we charge them almost nothing. That’s going to change,” Trump said at the event.
US Tariffs on Other Countries
India is not the only country facing increased tariffs. The US has imposed tariffs on several other nations, including:
- China – 34%
- European Union – 20%
- Vietnam – 46%
- Taiwan – 32%
- Japan – 24%
- United Kingdom – 10%
- Bangladesh – 37%
- Pakistan – 29%
- Sri Lanka – 44%
- Israel – 17%
At the event, Trump emphasized that the US will no longer allow its taxpayers to be “ripped off” by unfair trade practices, declaring an end to what he called decades of exploitation.
India’s Response and Economic Concerns
While the Modi government has yet to issue a formal response to the new US tariffs, experts warn that this could severely impact India’s export-driven sectors and strain bilateral trade relations.
As pressure mounts on the government to address the issue diplomatically, all eyes are on the next steps New Delhi will take to negotiate relief or countermeasures against these tariffs.