New Delhi: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday warned that the reciprocal tariffs imposed by former US President Donald Trump would “completely devastate” the Indian economy. He also accused China of occupying 4,000 square kilometers of Indian territory and demanded the government provide answers on both issues.
“Our ally has suddenly decided to impose a 26 per cent tariff, which is going to completely devastate our economy – our auto industry, pharmaceutical industry, and agriculture are all in line,” Rahul Gandhi said, questioning the government’s response. He further asked, “What are you doing about our land, and what will you do about the tariff our ally has imposed on us?”
Trump, in his latest announcement on Wednesday, justified the new tariffs on multiple countries, including India, stating that the US has been “looted, pillaged, raped, and plundered” by foreign nations. While official US documents list a 26% tariff on Indian imports, sources within the Ministry indicate that the actual rate could be 27%.
Rahul Gandhi’s statements add to the ongoing debate over India’s trade policies and border security. The government is yet to officially respond to his remarks
