Kharge Criticizes Modi Over US-India Trade Tensions

In a sharp critique on Thursday, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge took on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi over escalating trade tensions with the United States, following the Trump administration's decision to double tariffs on Indian goods to 50 percent. Labeling it a 'foreign policy disaster,' Kharge argued that Indian diplomacy is faltering at critical times.

Kharge emphasized that this debacle cannot be pinned on Congress's 70-year legacy, instead blaming the current administration for not securing a favorable trade deal with the US. He lamented that Trump's measures, seen as intimidation, are being met with silence from Modi. A stark economic burden looms over India's exports, expected to incur a cost of Rs 3.75 lakh crore due to the heightened tariffs.

Highlighting the potential damages to key sectors like MSMEs, Agriculture, and Engineering Goods, Kharge criticized the government for its lack of proactive measures in the Union Budget amidst threats of reciprocal tariffs. He further condemned Modi for remaining quiet on Trump's assertions about a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, asserting India's resilient history of maintaining self-respect and dignity in US relations.

(With inputs from agencies.)