New Delhi: Reacting strongly to the US President Donald Trump’s imposition of an additional 25% tariff on India for purchasing Russian oil, Samajwadi Party MP and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has launched a scathing attack on the Modi government, questioning its handling of foreign policy, economic priorities, and the welfare of farmers.
Yadav criticized the timing of the government’s reaction, asking, “Why is the government talking about this now, after 11 years in power?” He emphasized that India has had a long-standing diplomatic relationship with the United States and said it was crucial to maintain and strengthen that relationship through consistent and effective engagement.
Addressing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent statement defending India’s stand on oil purchases and emphasizing the importance of farmers, Yadav said, “The BJP should have prioritized the interests of farmers, agriculture, and dairy sectors a decade ago. These concerns can’t be addressed overnight.”
He further accused the central government of failing to live up to its global image. “The same leaders who used to claim that India is respected all over the world are now facing diplomatic setbacks. This shows the failure of our foreign policy.”
Taking a wider swipe at the ruling party’s track record, Yadav added, “The promise to double farmers’ income remains unfulfilled. Youth unemployment is rising. The economy is faltering. Our nation, our farmers, our youth—they’re all under threat. India has been diplomatically cornered.”
