MODI’S GOVT FACE JOINT OPPOSITION ATTACK OVER TRUMP’S TARIF
NEW DELHI: US President Donald Trump’s controversial announcement of heavy tariffs on Indian goods has sparked a fresh economic and political storm in India. Already grappling with economic distress and post-pandemic recovery challenges, the Indian economy now faces renewed uncertainty, with the stock market reacting sharply and opposition parties intensifying their offensive against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The US President’s blunt remark calling India’s economy a “dead one” has triggered widespread concern among investors and analysts. On Tuesday, the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Sensex plummeted by 296.28 points to close at 81,185.58. Key sectors like power, pharmaceuticals, and heavy industries, including shares of corporate giants like Adani and Tata Steel, suffered notable losses.
Trump’s proposed tariff hike comes amid growing scrutiny of India’s trade ties with Russia, a matter which the Biden administration had also signalled unease over. However, Trump’s aggressive tone and one-sided decision have rattled New Delhi’s corridors of power, putting Modi’s foreign policy balancing act under strain.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, the Modi government’s reaction has been viewed as tepid. A routine statement from the Ministry of External Affairs termed the development “unfortunate” and promised continued engagement. However, no strong diplomatic or political pushback has followed– something that opposition leaders have quickly seized upon.
The Opposition’s Unified Offensive
The opposition has wasted no time in building a collective front. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, currently serving as Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, directly blamed the Modi government’s “economic mismanagement” and “diplomatic surrender” for the crisis. “From demonetisation to poorly negotiated trade deals, this government has weakened India’s economic backbone,” he said during a press briefing at Parliament House.
Rahul Gandhi also accused Prime Minister Modi of compromising India’s economic interests due to his personal proximity with industrialist Gautam Adani, a long-standing target of Congress allegations. “The Modi-Adani nexus has turned India’s economy into a playground for a few corporates. Now, even our global trade ties are being threatened because of narrow business friendships,” he said.
Adding to the pressure, RJD MP Manoj Jha raised the issue in the Rajya Sabha, urging the government to immediately convene an all-party meeting and bring a resolution condemning the US move. “The Modi government cannot continue its silence while the livelihoods of millions are at stake. We demand a clear stand against Trump’s economic blackmail,” Jha declared.
Leaders from the DMK, TMC, Left parties, and AAP have also supported the call for a united strategy. Sources suggest that the opposition INDIA bloc may issue a joint parliamentary resolution in the coming days, challenging both the tariff proposal and the government’s response.
A Looming Policy Dilemma
The New York Times, in a recent report, observed that Trump’s move could force India into a corner: either concede to American demands or risk a breakdown in diplomatic relations that could impact defence, tech, and energy cooperation. Experts warn that this external pressure, combined with internal economic fragility, might force Modi’s government into reactive policymaking at a time when political capital is already waning.
While the Prime Minister’s Office has maintained silence, political analysts believe this episode could dent Modi’s image as a strong global leader. “The optics of being cornered by Trump and unable to defend national interest robustly is something Modi can ill-afford ahead of key state elections,” said Prof. Anil Jha, a political observer from Delhi University.
The BJP, meanwhile, is trying to contain the fallout, with ministers downplaying the Trump threat and accusing the opposition of “spreading panic.” Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that the matter is being “handled diplomatically” and there is no need for alarm. But this has done little to dampen the opposition’s momentum.
As tensions escalate both at home and abroad, the Modi government finds itself navigating a perfect storm—economic tremors, diplomatic stress, and a reinvigorated opposition attack, all catalyzed by one unpredictable tweet from Donald Trump.
[Writer is a Senior Journalist and Political Commentator]
