Gadkari’s ‘Dadagiri’ Jibe at US as Trade War Escalates Over Record Tariffs
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari delivered a sharp message on Saturday, stating that countries engaging in global “dadagiri” (bullying) do so from a position of economic strength and technological superiority. His comments come as India grapples with its steepest-ever tariffs imposed by the United States, a move that has ignited the most significant diplomatic rift between the two nations in two decades.
Speaking at an event in Nagpur, Gadkari emphasized the need for India to achieve self-reliance by boosting exports and curbing imports. “Those who are indulging in ‘dadagiri’ are doing so because they are economically strong, and they have technology,” he said, adding, “If we get better technology and resources, we will not bully anyone, because our culture teaches us that welfare of the world is most important.”
The minister’s remarks follow a dramatic escalation in trade tensions after US President Donald Trump signed an order on August 6 slapping an additional 25 per cent duty on a wide range of Indian goods, pushing the total tariff to a staggering 50 per cent.
This punitive measure, affecting key sectors from textiles and gems to pharmaceuticals, makes India one of the most heavily taxed trading partners in US history. The White House has explicitly linked the tariffs to New Delhi’s continued procurement of Russian oil, a policy India has staunchly defended as vital for its energy security. The standoff has led Washington to suspend trade talks and warn of further sanctions.
The Indian government has responded with defiance. In a message widely interpreted as a direct response to Trump, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that India would never compromise on the welfare of its farmers, fishermen, and dairy workers, even if it meant “paying a heavy price.” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh echoed this sentiment, suggesting that some global powers are unsettled by India’s rapid economic ascent.
Referring to the US as “sabka boss” (everyone’s boss), he stated, “Many are trying to ensure that products made in India become more expensive so that the world stops buying them. But no power can now stop India from becoming a major global power.” New Delhi has officially branded the US tariffs as “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable,” vowing to take all necessary actions to safeguard its national interests.
