Congress Criticizes PM Modi Over US Tariffs and Trump's Claims

Congress MP Manickam Tagore on Thursday held Prime Minister Narendra Modi accountable for the United States' decision to impose a 25 percent tariff on Indian goods. Tagore criticized Modi's "friendship and wrong policies," claiming they have resulted in significant challenges for the country. He further questioned Modi's silence on crucial matters, including US President Donald Trump's assertions of brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan.

Tagore expressed concern over Modi's alliance with Trump, blaming their relationship for the tariffs and describing it as detrimental to India's interests. "Trump has repeatedly said he prevented a war between India and Pakistan, yet PM Modi remains silent," Tagore told ANI, questioning Modi's inactivity in Parliament. Similarly, prominent Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi echoed these sentiments, querying Modi's failure to address Trump's statements and the subsequent tariff hikes.

Meanwhile, in a press conference, President Trump highlighted the ongoing trade talks with India, referring to the nation as among the highest tariff-imposing countries globally. Despite emphasizing continued negotiations, Trump also imposed penalties for India's Russian oil purchases while downplaying economic relations, describing India as having one of the world's highest tariffs on American goods. He conveyed these remarks after a White House event celebrating a Congressional bill signing.

(With inputs from agencies.)