Rahul Gandhi Slams Trump's 50% Tariff on Indian Imports, Calls It "Economic Blackmail"

Rahul Gandhi Slams Trump's 50% Tariff on Indian Imports, Calls It "Economic Blackmail"
#RahulGandhi #NarendraModi #DonaldTrump #USTariffBomb
#EconomicBlackmail #USIndiaRelations
New Delhi, August 6: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has strongly criticized the recent move by U.S. President Donald Trump to double tariffs on Indian imports from 25% to 50%, calling it an act of “economic blackmail” aimed at coercing India into accepting an unfair trade deal.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Gandhi accused the U.S. administration of attempting to “bully India” and warned Prime Minister Narendra Modi against compromising the nation's interests. “Trump’s 50% tariff is economic blackmail – an attempt to bully India into an unfair trade deal. PM Modi better not let his weakness override the interests of the Indian people,” he wrote.

The sharp increase in import duties by the U.S. is expected to impact several Indian sectors, particularly textiles, pharmaceuticals, and machinery exports. Trade analysts have warned that the move could escalate into a broader trade dispute if not addressed through diplomatic channels.

While the Indian government has yet to issue an official response, political opposition has begun to mount pressure on the Modi administration to take a firm stand against the U.S. move. Gandhi’s statement reflects growing domestic concerns about India’s trade balance and sovereignty in economic negotiations.

The tariff hike comes amid ongoing global trade tensions and could have significant implications for the already delicate Indo-U.S. trade relations.