‘Abysmal failure of Modi’: Opposition criticises Centre as Trump doubles tariffs on India

Opposition leaders on Wednesday said that United States President Donald Trump’s decision to double tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 50% reflected an “abysmal failure” of diplomacy by the Narendra Modi-led Union government.

“While his [Trump’s] tariff and penalty actions are simply unacceptable, the fact remains that they also reflect the abysmal failure of Modi’s personalised and headline-grabbing style of huglomacy,” Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said on X.

Recalling former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s stance against US pressure in the 1970s, Ramesh said: “Instead of defaming, distorting, and denigrating her, Modi should shed his ego – if indeed that were possible – and take inspiration from the manner in which she stood up to the USA”.

Prime Minister Modi went to the US and attended a Howdy Modi event in Houston in Sept 2019. President Trump was also present and Mr. Modi broke with all tradition and declared Ab ki Baar Trump Sarkar.

In Feb 2020, President Trump was hosted by Mr. Modi to a gala Namaste Trump…— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) August 6, 2025

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said that the tariff hike amounted to “economic blackmail” and a blatant attempt to pressure India into accepting an unfair trade deal.

“PM Modi better not let his weakness override the interests of the Indian people,” he...

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