Backdrop of US Trade Escalation
On July 30, 2025, former US President Donald Trump announced a sweeping 25 percent tariff on Indian exports, effective August 1, alongside additional penalties tied to India’s energy and defence ties with Russia. He labeled India’s trade barriers as among the “most strenuous and obnoxious” in the world, triggering a wave of criticism from opposition parties in India 0.
Congress Reaction: Failed Foreign Policy Allegations
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh sharply criticised the Modi government, accusing it of relying on personal diplomatic ties—coined “photo-op diplomacy”—rather than strong policy. He cited PM Modi’s camaraderie with leaders like Trump and Xi as a misjudgment, stating that such personal rapport failed to safeguard India’s interests 1.
Timeline of Key Events
- May 10–July 30, 2025: Trump repeatedly claimed he intervened to halt “Operation Sindoor”—a notable India–Pakistan boundary incident—across four different countries.
- June 18: Trump hosted the Pakistan Army Chief and alleged Pahalgam terror mastermind at the White House.
- July 30: Imposition of a 25% export tariff on India plus penalties regarding India’s oil and defence purchases from Russia; sanctions on six Indian firms over Iranian petrochemical ties.
Ramesh ridiculed the PM’s earlier rhetoric about the TOP (Tomato, Onion, Potato) economic challenges, suggesting India now grapples with CAP—a strategic foreshadowing pointing to China, America, and Pakistan 2.
Opposition Voices Join the Fray
Other prominent Congress leaders, including P. Chidambaram and Pawan Khera, echoed Ramesh’s critique. Chidambaram called the 25% tariff a “big blow” to exports, mocking the Modi slogan “MIGA + MAGA” (a blend of Make In India Go Abroad and Make America Great Again). Pawan Khera warned that the government’s eagerness for U.S. approval undermines relations with other allies including Pakistan 3.
Local and Regional Reactions
AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi described the government as “being bullied by the buffoon‑in‑chief” in Washington and questioned why the Prime Minister has remained silent. Congress MPs across parties demanded a debate in Parliament and urged the government to take a firm stand rather than defer to international power plays 4.
Trivia‑Ready Takeaways
- The tariff announcement came just as India‑US trade talks were ongoing.
- India is Trump’s first penalised country for continuation of oil/arms imports from Russia.
- India‑US trade in goods stood at ~$129 billion in 2024, with a U.S. deficit of ~$45.7 billion.
- Political jargon: TOP challenges (Tomato, Onion, Potato) vs CAP challenges (China, America, Pakistan).
Why It Matters
The episode marks a rare instance where diplomacy, national pride, and economic interests clash publicly. It highlights India’s cautious balancing act in global alignments and underlines the potential fallout when strategic relationships rely heavily on personal rapport rather than institutional strength.
Conclusion
As India prepares for the August 1 tariff imposition, the political fallout within reflects deeper anxieties over foreign policy direction. Opposition leaders argue that reliance on symbolic friendship has weakened real-world negotiation power. The growing rhetoric underscores the need for diplomacy rooted in transparency, principle, and national interest.
Source: The News Mill