‘Can’t Even Blame Congress for This’: Kharge Slams Modi Over Trump Tariffs, Calls it ‘Policy Disaster’
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge launched a blistering attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, holding him directly responsible for the Trump administration’s decision to impose a 50% tariff on Indian imports. In a sharp jibe posted on X, Kharge wrote, “You can’t even blame this foreign policy disaster on the 70 years of Congress,” accusing the government of a “disastrously dithering” diplomatic approach.
The Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha argued that the new tariffs would impose a burden of ₹3.75 lakh crore on the Indian economy, hitting crucial sectors like small industry, agriculture, pharma, and textiles.
He asserted that while India’s national interest is supreme, the current government had failed to navigate its relationship with the US with the “self-respect and dignity” shown during past crises, such as the threat of the US 7th Fleet during the 1971 Bangladesh war or the sanctions following India’s nuclear tests.
Kharge listed what he termed as the government’s failures, pointing out that PM Modi “kept mum” despite President Trump repeatedly claiming to have brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. He also recalled an incident in November 2024 when Trump declared “BRICS dead” with PM Modi present, “visibly smirking.”
The Congress chief criticized the government for not taking adequate measures in the Union budget to “soften the blow,” despite what he claimed were clear indications of Trump’s intentions. He also took a swipe at ministers who, he said, “camped in Washington for several days” but failed to secure a trade deal even after more than six months of negotiations.
The attack from the opposition came as Prime Minister Modi delivered his own defiant message on Thursday, stating that India would never compromise on the interests of its farmers, even if it meant facing severe economic consequences. Without naming the US or the tariff issue specifically, Modi said, “For us, the interest of our farmers is our top priority… I know we will have to pay a heavy price for it, and I am ready for it. India is ready for it.”
