Economic blackmail, bid to bully India: Rahul Gandhi on Trump’s 50% tariffs
New Delhi, August 7 — Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday sharply criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent proposal to impose a 50% tariff on all goods imported from India, calling it a form of “economic blackmail” and a clear attempt to “bully” the country into submission. The remarks come as global attention turns toward Trump’s escalating protectionist rhetoric ahead of the 2024 U.S. presidential election.
Gandhi, addressing a press conference in New Delhi, said Trump’s threat to raise tariffs on Indian imports should not be taken lightly, as it reflects a dangerous trend in global politics where major powers seek to coerce developing nations using trade as a weapon.
“India is not going to kneel before anyone,” Gandhi said. “We are not a weak country that can be pushed around with tariffs. This is economic blackmail, plain and simple.”
Trump’s Tariff Remarks Spark Diplomatic Concern
Donald Trump, during a recent campaign event in Ohio, said that if he wins the upcoming election, he would impose a 50% tariff on imports from countries like India and China, citing what he called “unfair trade practices.” He singled out India, claiming that the country benefits from the U.S. market without offering the same level of access in return.
Trump’s remarks have triggered concern among Indian trade officials and exporters, particularly in industries such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, and information technology. India has been one of the largest trading partners of the United States, with bilateral trade crossing $190 billion in recent years.
Rahul Gandhi, in his statement, accused Trump of trying to appeal to his conservative voter base by vilifying foreign countries and shifting blame for domestic economic issues. “This is not about India’s trade policies. It’s about creating an enemy to distract from problems at home,” Gandhi said.
BJP Silent, Congress Slams ‘Weak’ Foreign Policy
The Congress party also took aim at the Modi government for what it called a “muted” response to Trump’s aggressive tone. Party spokesperson Supriya Shrinate questioned why the ruling BJP had not yet issued a formal response or summoned the U.S. ambassador for clarification.
“Where is the so-called strong foreign policy we hear so much about?” Shrinate asked during a press conference. “When a former U.S. president threatens India with economic war, the silence from the Modi government is deafening.”
The Congress party further alleged that the Modi government had compromised India’s strategic autonomy by trying to get too close to the U.S., leaving the country vulnerable to such threats.
Trade Experts Warn of Potential Fallout
Trade analysts have warned that if Trump returns to power and follows through with his tariff proposal, Indian exporters could face serious consequences. A 50% duty would significantly impact Indian goods in the U.S. market, making them more expensive and less competitive.
Dr. Kavita Rao, an economist with the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy, said such a move could harm both economies. “Tariffs of this magnitude will hurt U.S. consumers just as much as Indian exporters,” she said. “It could also disrupt global supply chains and damage long-standing economic partnerships.”
The IT sector, which earns billions in export revenue from U.S.-based clients, is also watching the developments closely. Industry leaders have expressed concern over the growing unpredictability in U.S. trade policy and are calling for diplomatic intervention.
India’s Response Must Be Firm, Says Rahul
Rahul Gandhi urged the Indian government to respond decisively and not succumb to external pressure. He emphasized that India must stand its ground and assert its economic and political independence.
“We need a clear message from our government that India’s sovereignty is not for sale,” Gandhi said. “You cannot threaten a nation of 1.4 billion people and expect no pushback.”
He also called on Indian businesses and citizens to show solidarity in the face of such challenges and reject fear-based economic bullying. “We have weathered worse storms. We will overcome this too — but only if we unite and resist intimidation,” he added.
A Look at the Bigger Picture
Trump’s tariff threats are part of a broader trend of economic nationalism that has reshaped U.S. foreign policy in recent years. His “America First” approach, which dominated his first term, led to strained relationships with several trade partners, including India, the European Union, and China.
While India had managed to maintain cordial ties with the Trump administration, several trade disputes — including the removal of India from the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) — had already highlighted growing tensions.
Rahul Gandhi’s strong statement reflects growing unease among Indian politicians and policy-makers about what a potential second Trump presidency could mean for India-U.S. relations.
Moving Forward: Unity Over Division
As the U.S. heads toward a crucial election, India finds itself caught in the crosshairs of American domestic politics. Rahul Gandhi’s remarks underscore the need for India to adopt a non-partisan and assertive foreign policy that defends national interests irrespective of who occupies the White House.
In the coming weeks, New Delhi is expected to assess the potential risks and develop contingency plans for Indian exports. Meanwhile, political leaders across the spectrum will likely be called upon to present a united front and send a strong message that India is not to be trifled with — economically or otherwise.
