Kharge Slams Modi Government Calls Foreign Policy a Failure After Trump’s Tariff Remarks.
Kharge Slams Modi Government Calls Foreign Policy Fail : In a sharp critique of the Modi government’s handling of foreign affairs, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday called the Centre’s foreign policy a “total failure” in light of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments about doubling tariffs on Indian goods to 50 percent if he returns to office in 2025.
Kharge’s statement comes amid rising political tension as India prepares for upcoming elections and global economic relations remain in flux.
🔴 Kharge Questions Government’s Silence
At a press conference in New Delhi, Kharge demanded an explanation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the former U.S. president’s remarks.
“If Donald Trump, who is campaigning for the next U.S. election, can so openly threaten to increase tariffs on Indian products to 50 percent, what is the Modi government doing? Why are they silent? This clearly shows India has lost its global bargaining power,” Kharge said.
He further added that under the BJP government, India’s foreign policy has become more photo-op driven than results-oriented. “What is the use of all those foreign trips and handshakes if Indian businesses continue to face threats of higher tariffs?” he asked.
📉 Trump’s Statement Sparks Concern
During a campaign rally earlier this week, Donald Trump claimed that if elected, he would double tariffs on countries that he believes are taking advantage of U.S. markets, and cited India as a prime example.
“India is charging us 100 percent on certain products. When I was President, we brought that down. But if I’m re-elected, we’ll make them pay — maybe 50 percent tariffs if they try to play smart,” Trump said.
The remarks have caused ripples in India’s policy circles, raising fears of a renewed trade war if Trump secures a second term in 2025.
🗣️ Political Reactions
While Kharge has openly condemned the Modi government’s perceived inaction, the BJP has yet to officially respond to either Trump’s comments or Kharge’s statements.
However, sources within the government suggest that officials are “closely monitoring” the developments and will “engage through appropriate diplomatic channels” if necessary.
Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh also posted on social media, calling the remarks a wake-up call for India’s policymakers.
“Foreign policy is not about hugging world leaders on stage. It’s about protecting national interest. Trump’s comments should be treated as a serious threat, not just pre-election rhetoric,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
📊 Economic Implications
If Trump’s proposed tariffs materialize, they could have a significant impact on Indian exports, particularly in sectors like:
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Textiles
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Auto components
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Pharmaceuticals
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IT services
India’s export-driven industries rely heavily on the U.S. market. Any substantial increase in import duties could potentially derail trade forecasts and hurt small and medium-sized businesses.
Trade analysts believe the rhetoric is part of Trump’s “America First” agenda, but warn that even the threat of such tariffs can cause uncertainty for global supply chains.
🌐 Diplomatic Experts Weigh In
Foreign policy experts have called for a proactive diplomatic strategy rather than reactive commentary.
Former Indian diplomat Anil Wadhwa said, “The government must open a backchannel with both parties in the U.S. and secure assurances that Indian interests will not be jeopardized regardless of the election outcome.”
He added that India needs bipartisan support in Washington, especially given its role as a strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific.
🇮🇳 Kharge’s Broader Attack on Modi’s Global Image
This isn’t the first time Congress has accused Prime Minister Modi of prioritizing optics over substance on the world stage. Kharge cited several past instances—such as India’s delayed response to global trade sanctions and its limited success at WTO negotiations—as proof that India’s standing is diminishing.
“All we hear about are grand stadium speeches abroad and foreign awards. But when it comes to policy results—on trade, climate, or security—India is still negotiating from a position of weakness,” Kharge remarked.
🔮 What Comes Next?
With the U.S. Presidential elections approaching in late 2024, and India’s own general elections set for 2026, global trade relations could become a contentious campaign issue on both sides.
Experts suggest that India should engage in multilateral diplomacy, strengthen domestic industries, and diversify its export markets to reduce vulnerability to such unilateral threats.
Meanwhile, political observers believe the opposition will continue to question the government’s foreign policy credibility, especially as global leaders begin shaping their post-2025 agendas.