Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has strongly criticized the Modi government following US President Donald Trump’s imposition of a 50% total trade tariff on Indian goods, calling it one of the biggest diplomatic failures in recent years. The two-step tariff—initially 25% on August 1 followed by another 25% this week—targets India’s trade with Russia, especially in oil.
Kharge’s Sharp Criticism of Modi and Foreign Policy
Kharge accused the Centre of having a “clueless” foreign policy and failing to safeguard India’s economic interests. In a post on X, he said, “Trump’s 50% tariffs come at a time when our diplomacy is disastrously dithering.” He recalled how previous governments managed US pressure with dignity, citing examples like the 7th Fleet threat and nuclear sanctions, and said the current administration had failed to uphold that legacy.
Five-Point Attack on Modi’s Foreign Strategy
Kharge laid out five key points targeting Prime Minister Modi:
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Modi remained silent while Trump falsely claimed to have brokered a ceasefire, repeating the claim over 30 times.
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Modi allegedly smirked while Trump declared “BRICS dead” and threatened a 100% tariff on BRICS nations in November 2024.
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The government failed to prepare in the Union Budget despite knowing Trump’s “reciprocal tariffs” were coming.
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Ministers camped in Washington without securing any substantial trade deal.
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Despite having more than six months, the government could not finalize a trade deal with the US.
Economic Impact and MEA’s Response
Kharge warned that India’s exports to the US, valued at ₹7.51 lakh crore in 2024, would suffer a loss of ₹3.75 lakh crore due to the blanket tariff. Sectors like MSMEs, agriculture, dairy, electronics, gems and jewellery, petroleum, and cotton garments are expected to bear the brunt. “Your government is clueless on how to deal with it. You can’t even blame this foreign policy disaster on the 70 years of Congress,” Kharge added.
The Ministry of External Affairs also issued a response, terming the US decision “unfortunate” and reaffirming that India would continue to act in its own national interest. “It is extremely unfortunate that the US should choose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest,” the MEA said.
The executive order signed by President Trump will bring the first 25% tariff into effect on August 7, 2025, with the second 25% kicking in 21 days later.
