New Delhi [India], April 4: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha and Congress leaders have strongly criticized the 26% reciprocal tariffs imposed by the Donald Trump administration on Indian goods. The move has sparked political backlash, with opposition leaders accusing the Indian government of failing to safeguard economic interests.
Raghav Chadha’s Strong Response in Rajya Sabha
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, while addressing the Rajya Sabha, remarked that Chadha seemed “obsessed” with events in the Trump administration.
Chadha hit back, stating:
🗣️ “I am severely obsessed with anything that hurts Indian interests, particularly economic interests. This is what brings me to the House, and I will continue to raise every issue that hurts my country passionately.”
Earlier, Chadha had warned that the US tariffs could “wreck” the Indian economy, saying:
📢 “India offered unflinching loyalty, but in return, the Trump administration has imposed the Trump Tariff that could devastate the Indian economy.”
He also criticized the Indian government for scrapping the ‘Google Tax’, which he claimed was done to favor US tech giants but yielded no reciprocal goodwill.
Congress Stages Protest Against US Tariffs
Congress MPs staged a protest at Parliament’s Makar Dwar, condemning the tariff hike.
Congress MP Manish Tewari also moved an adjournment motion, demanding a discussion on:
🔹 “Deteriorating” Indo-US relations
🔹 Recent visa revocations affecting Indian students
🔹 Adverse impact of US tariffs on Indian exports and MSMEs
Congress MP Manickram Tagore echoed these concerns, highlighting the tariffs’ potential damage to Indian farmers, businesses, and industries.
Rahul Gandhi: “Tariffs Will Devastate the Indian Economy”
🔴 Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi raised alarms in Lok Sabha, stating:
🗣️ “Our ally has suddenly decided to impose a 26% tariff, which will devastate our economy completely—our auto industry, pharmaceutical industry, and agriculture are all on the line.”
He also questioned the government’s lack of response, asking:
❓ “What is the government doing about this tariff?”
Trump’s Tariff Announcement
On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump announced new import tariffs targeting multiple countries, with India facing one of the highest rates at 26%. This move has raised concerns about:
⚠️ Rising costs for Indian exporters
⚠️ Impact on auto, pharma, and agriculture industries
⚠️ Strain on US-India trade relations
India’s Next Steps?
The Indian government is yet to officially respond. Experts suggest that India could:
🔹 Negotiate exemptions through trade talks
🔹 Impose counter-tariffs on US imports
🔹 Seek WTO intervention
With Lok Sabha elections around the corner, the issue is likely to remain a major political flashpoint.