Trade Turmoil: Kharge Slams Trump's Tariff Tactics

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has strongly criticized US President Donald Trump's imposition of a 50 percent tariff on Indian goods, labeling it a significant foreign policy blunder. Kharge asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration is at a loss on how to respond.

Following Trump's additional 25 percent penalty on India for purchasing Russian oil, Kharge highlighted the Modi government's failure to secure a trade agreement with the United States after ongoing negotiations. He accused Trump of using intimidation and coercion tactics against India.

Emphasizing India's strategic autonomy and non-alignment policy, Kharge noted that a 50 percent tariff could drastically impact vital sectors of the Indian economy. With exports to the US constituting a substantial economic portion, Kharge lamented the lack of preparedness in addressing such diplomatic challenges.

(With inputs from agencies.)